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Vitamin
B5 | Pantothenic Acid |
What is the
importance of vitamin
B5 ?
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Vitamin B5
is a water-soluble
vitamin of the B
complex group. It is
also known as
pantothenic acid.
Vitamin B5
or pantothenic acid
is a pale yellow,
oily liquid which is
not crystallized,
but its calcium salt
crystallizes readily
and this is the form
in which it is
generally available.
This vitamin is not
destroyed in neutral
solutions, but is
liable to rapid
destruction in acid
and alkaline
mediums. It is also
liable to
destruction by
food-processing
techniques,
caffeine, sulphur
drugs, sleeping
pills, and alcohol.
Vitamin B5
or pantothenic acid
is absorbed from the
alimentary tract,
and excreted in
urine and mother's
milk.
Vitamin B5
or pantothenic acid
is a part of the
enzyme system which
plays a
vital role in the
metabolism of
carbohydrates, fats,
and proteins, and in
the synthesis of
amino acids and
fatty acids.
It is also essential
for the formation of
porphyrin, the
pigment portion of
the hemoglobin
molecule of the red
blood cells.
This vitamin is
involved in all the
vital functions of
the body. It
stimulates the
adrenal glands
and increases
production of
cortisone and other
adrenal hormones. It
is primarily used as
an anti-stress
factor and protects
against most
physical and mental
stresses and toxins.
Pantothenic acid
increases vitality,
wards off
infections, and
speeds
recovery from ill
health. It
helps to maintain
the normal growth
and development of
the central nervous
system. This vitamin
prevents
premature ageing.
It also provides
protection against
any damage caused by
excessive radiation.
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How do you know if
you need more vitamin
B5?
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A
deficiency of vitamin B5
(pantothenic acid) can
cause chronic fatigue,
an increased tendency
towards infections,
graying and loss of
hair, mental depression,
irritability, dizziness,
and muscular weakness.
It may lead to stomach
distress, constipation,
skin disorders, retarded
growth, painful and
burning feet, insomnia,
muscle cramps,
exhaustion, low blood
sugar, low blood
pressure, and duodenal
ulcers.
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How much
vitamin B5 do you
need?
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It is
impossible for anyone to
tell you how much of any
particular vitamin you
need. We have read many
articles and reports on
this subject and no two
are alike. There are too
many variables involved.
Your age, your height
and weight, your health
and lifestyle, etc. The
best way for you to
decide which supplements
you need is to read
these pages and make
note of any health
problems you may be
having which could be
associated with a
vitamin deficiency. Then
start taking a small
dose. If your symptoms
don't go away after a
week or two, increase
your dosage. Continue
this until your symptoms
are relieved and stay
with that dosage.
Guideline is for a 150
pound adult:
- Men: 500 mg.
Best if taken as
part of a
B Complex
 .
- Women: 500 mg. Best
if taken as part of
a
B Complex.
Always consult your
doctor or midwife during
pregnancy and lactation.
Always start small
and work your way up, if
needed. Please be
careful when dealing
with fat soluble
vitamins as your body
retains these for
extended periods of
time. It is possible to
take to much of these
types of vitamins.
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How to get enough
vitamin B5?
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Vitamin
B5 or
pantothenic acid is
found in extensive
quantities in foods. The
best sources are
yeast, liver, and eggs.
Other good sources are
peanuts, mushrooms,
split peas, soy beans
and soy bean flour.
About one-half of the
pantothenic acid is lost
in the milling of
grains. Fruits are
relatively poor sources
of this vitamin.
If you eat an
abundant quantity of the
above foods, you will
not have to worry about
supplementing your diet
with extra Vitamin B5.
If you don't eat much of
the above foods, you
might consider adding a
supplement. |
We
get all our personal
use vitamins and supplements
from
Puritan's Pride .
We highly recommend you
do the same, for
all your vitamin and
supplement needs. Their
products are always
fresh and of the highest
quality. Their prices
can't be beat, not even
by Wal-Mart. Shipping is
very fast and
inexpensive. |
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