Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

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Ingredients/Directions
Further Reading

Pantothenic acid (also known as vitamin B5) is one of the most important B vitamins, especially with regard to adrenal function. it is known as the "antistress" vitamin and is used to relieve fatigue and stress and the many problems induced by stress, through its support of the adrenal glands. Allergies, headaches, arthritis, psoriasis, insomnia, asthma, and infections have all been treated with some effectiveness using Pantothenic acid, possibly through its adrenal support and adequate production of adrenocorticosteroids.

Elson Haas M. MD from Staying Healthy with Nutrition ISBN: 1587611791

Without pantothenic acid the body is unable to use fats, carbohydrates, or proteins as energy sources. Hormone production would also cease and the immune system would fail. But don't worry; reasonable levels of pantothenic acid are found in our everyday foods, sufficient for survival. Deficicency is very very rare. However, having said that, higher levels, such as available via supplementation, and not via food, will offer considerably extended benefits in several areas of health support.

All B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that the body does not store them. Pantothenic acid is one of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B complex vitamins, also help the body use fats and protein. B complex vitamins are needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the nervous system function properly.

There are few natural compounds more powerful than pantethine and its relative pantothenic acid. For decades pantothenic acid is one of the essential nutrients used to help adrenal function. In fact, it is a good substitute for prednisone, a drug which has horrible side effects, but is very valuable in the treatment of auto immune diseases including arthritis, allergies, and colitis.

Once inside the body, pantothenic acid forms a substance called pantethine, which is further converted into an enzyme called "Co-enzyme A." Co-enzyme A is an extremely important compound and is essential in the metabolism of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It is also the starting point for the body's production of adrenal steroids, cholesterol, bile, and haemoglobin.

Dr. Lam, Adrenal Fatigue Centre, California, USA

Health Support

Adrenal insufficiency

First and foremost we provide this supplement for those with adrenal issues. We have already included it within our Adrenal MAX Support + formulation at a sufficient basic therapeutic level. However, for some individuals higher doses (up to 3000mg daily) may be required for optimum benefits. For those using Adrenal Boost + (our Liquorice formula) these should be considered an essential complimentary supplement at one capsule daily (minimum). We will eventually be incorporating pantothenic acid in Adrenal Boost + but that is at least a year away, and as with the Adrenal MAX Support +, it will only be a basic therepeutic dose.

Using Celtic Ocean Sea Salt or (Magnesium led) Ionic Liquid Minerals every Day will help to strengthen the Adrenal Glands.

Other benefits, for those without adrenal issues

Calming of the Nerves

Pantothenic acid is very effective for tension, nerves and when one feels that they are trembling inside due to some stress, situation or issue. Just one capsule should eliminate those feelings in under an hour. It is also very useful if stress is keeping you awake at night. Again, just one capsule should have you asleep in under an hour (and with no risk of toxicity or overuse, simply have another an hour later on the rare occasion when one proves not enough)

Increased Energy Production

The most known about aspect of pantothenic acid in health support is its incorporation into a molecule called Coenzyme A (CoA). This is one of the most important chemicals needed to sustain life. One recent research study suggests that the evolution of this chemical could be the origin of life itself.

CoA is essential and central to the energy metabolism. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are fuel sources, but without CoA this fuel could not be utilised in any way by the body.

Fat Metabolism

Not only does pantothenic acid have a role in the breaking down of fats for fuel, but it is also involved in fat storage. Further, it helps in the process of cholesterol manufacturing, which then acts in the production of the key hormones that steer the metabolic processes. A certain amount of cholesterol is critical for health. Do not fall into the trap of seeing this link to cholesterol production as a negative aspect of pantothenic acid. It is very much the opposite. The same goes for the fat storage aspect, a normal function of the body.

Acne

Acne is often a sign of hormonal imbalance. Because this balance rests largely with the adrenal gland, many who have weak adrenals will find the incidence of acne increasing. In men, the back is quite common in addition to the face. In women, acne usually is on the face and tends to get worse during menses. Pantothenic acid has proven useful in the treatment of adrenal rooted acne. Acne can also be a sign of an internal detoxification process.

Wound Healing

Studies suggest that vitamin B5 supplements may speed wound healing, especially following surgery. This may be particularly true if vitamin B5 is combined with vitamin C.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Some early evidence suggests that pantothenic acid might help with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One study found that people with RA may have lower levels of B5 in their blood than healthy people, and the lowest levels were associated with the most severe symptoms. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Diabetic Peripheral Polyneuropathy

Twenty-eight out of 33 patients (84.8%) previously treated with alpha-lipoic acid for peripheral polyneuropathy reported further improvement after combination with pantothenic acid. The theoretical basis for this is that both substances intervene at different sites in pyruvate metabolism and are, thus, more effective than one substance alone. Additional clinical findings indicated diabetic neuropathy may occur in association with a latent prediabetic metabolic disturbance, and that the symptoms of neuropathy can be favorably influenced by the described combination therapy, even in poorly controlled diabetes.

Anti-aging

Pantothenic acid supports the adrenal glands to increase production of cortisone and other adrenal hormones to help counteract stress and enhance metabolism. Through this mechanism, pantothenic acid is also thought to help prevent aging and wrinkles. It is generally important to healthy skin and nerves. Through its adrenal support, vitamin B5 may reduce potentially toxic effects of antibiotics and radiation.

Autoimmune Conditions

Via the beneficial effect on the adrenal cortex, which will have a positive effect on those with autoimmune conditions. Please see our full autoimmune information here

Relationship with Other Nutrients

As part of the B complex, pantothenic acid metabolism will be adversely affected by deficiency of other B vitamins. Especially, vitamin B12, folic acid, and biotin; which provide essential support for pantothenic acid metabolism.

Risk of Toxicity

There is no known risk of toxicity from pantothenic acid. In a study, it was shown that use of supplemental pantothenic acid at daily doses more than 1000 times the Adequate Intake of 5 mg daily (that's 5000 mg) did not produce any discernible side effects.

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