Vitamin B5 or Panthothenic AcidVitamin B5 or Panthothenic Acid is used by almost all of the functions the body performs. It is particularly important in the functioning of the adrenal glands, which produce adrenal hormones, and especially cortisone, that helps your body to respond to stress, anxiety and depression.Therefore Vitamin B5 is also known as the "Anti-Stress" Vitamin. It supports the detoxification of harmful chemicals as insecticides, it reduces negative effects of many antibiotics and it promotes the production of healthy red blood cells and sex hormones.
It further stimulates the release of energy from carbohydrates, protein and fats, it lowers high cholesterol, it can slow the aging process (it heals wounds faster, and gives you a healthy skin and hair), it helps to reduce the risks of heart disease and alleviates the pain from menopausal discomforts, arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Deficiency effectsA Deficiency of Vitamin B5 (V-B5) may lead to overall weakness, restlessness, stomach stress, painful & burning feet, muscle cramps, skin abnormalities, vomiting or diarrhea, dizzy spells and retarded growth.A deficiency of V-B5 also lowers your resistance to infection.
Since V-B5 is present in many different foods, most of the symptoms can also indicate a deficiency on one of the other B vitamins. Therefore it is wise to investigate that first.
Foods high in Vitamin B5The best naturally-occurring resources of V-B5 are meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, yeast, peas, broccoli, peanuts, mushrooms, bananas, oranges, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, whole grain products and Soya beans.
Please be aware that V-B5 breaks down easily when heated during the preparation of food.
There are no specific guidelines as to the recommended daily intake of V-B5.
For most adults, 4 - 7 mg/day is sufficient. Excess vitamin B is not stored and is eliminated via the urine.
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