Vitamin B5 – Uses, Sources & Symptoms

INTRODUCTION

Vitamin B5 is also known as Pantothenic Acid and is soluble in water. It is very imperative for the human life. The word pantothenic means everywhere, as this vitamin is present in a lot of food sources.

It is commercially available as D-pantothenic acid, as well as dexpanthenol and calcium pantothenate, and these chemicals can be made in laboratories from D-pantothenic acid.

Pantothenic acid is required for human body to efficiently consume carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids and it contributes to healthy skin.

KEY FUNCTIONS

It plays an important role in converting energy for different body activities.

• Helps in making red blood cells.
• Helps in making the immune system and other neural functions more efficient.
• Facilities metabolism of fats and reduces stress levels.
• Helps in the treatment of allergies, alcoholism, baldness, autism, burning feet syndrome, yeast infections, heart failure, carpal tunnel syndrome, conjunctivitis, respiratory disorders, asthma, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), celiac disease, colitis, convulsions, and cystitis.
• Plays an imperative role in the treatment of depression, diabetic nerve pain, boosts immune function, maintains blood sugar levels, refines athletic performance, treats tongue infections, grey hair, dandruff, headache, hyperactivity, insomnia, irritability, hypotension, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscular cramps in the legs, neuralgia, and obesity.
• It also helps in synthesizing fatty acids and plays a vital role in the production of sphingosine which help in chemical transmissions at cellular level.
• It helps in healing of wounds and reduces inflammation on the body.
• Helps in treating skin problems like itching, diaper rash, insect stings, bites, infection, etc.
• It also helps in increasing the thickness of hair and also adds a shine to the hair.

DIETARY SOURCES

There are multiple sources that provide Vitamin B5 and they are:

Broccoli, sweet potatoes, corn, cauliflower mushrooms, avocado, kale, tomatoes, and legumes like lentils, split peas, soybeans, whole-grain bread and cereals, egg yolk, milk, yogurt, milk product, chicken, salmon, lobster, and shellfish.

RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE:

Different age groups have been advised different intakes of Vitamin B5.

 Infants up to 6 months are advised 1.7 mg  and between 7 -12 months are advised 1.8 mg, children between 1-3 years are advised 2mg,  4-8 years are advised 3mg and 9-13 years are advised 4 mg , 14 years and above are advised 5 mg and pregnant and lactating women are advised 7 mg.

DEFICIENCY

Its deficiency is rarely seen, which can occur only in cases of severe malnutrition.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of vitamin B5 deficiency are headache, fatigue, irritability, restlessness, malaise, paresthesia, disturbed sleep, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

OVERVIEW

Vitamin B5 is also known as Pantothenic Acid and it is water soluble in nature . Pantothenic acid is imperative for human body to efficiently consume carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids and also for healthy skin. It plays an important role in converting energy for different body activities and helps in making red blood cells. It also helps in making the immune system and other neural functions more efficient. Vitamin B5 deficiency is rare, which can occur only in case of severe malnutrition and it involves symptoms such as fatigue, headache, malaise etc.