Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid)
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Help Control Cholesterol Levels |
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Manage stress from psychological strain, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, and smoking and alcohol cessation |
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Reduce certain allergy symptoms and asthmatic reactions |
What Is It?
Pantothenic acid is a B vitamin that is used as a supplement to treat acne, osteoarthritis, Pantothenic acid deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, and wounds. It is also used for inflammatory bowel disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, lowered blood cell production, mitochondrial dysfunction, infection, adrenal (gland) dysfunction, stress disorders, allergies, liver problems, and to support the immune system.
PDR (Physicians Desk Reference)
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Health Benefits
Control cholesterol levels
The body converts pantothenic acid into a chemical called pantethine. When taken as a supplement, pantethine appears to lower the amount of lipids in the blood. A person with high cholesterol may see their level of total of cholesterol--including LDL ("bad") cholesterol lower --while at the same time increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.
WholeHealthMD
Oxford University Press
A water-soluble vitamin, and a member of the B complex. Pantothenic acid is a constituent of coenzyme A which plays an essential part in the intermediate stages of carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Pantothenic acid also plays a role in antibody formation, detoxification of drugs, and the conversion of cholesterol to anti-stress hormones. Some studies indicate that pantothenic acid supplements improve physical fitness, but it is generally agreed that more detailed experimentation is needed to confirm these effects.
Deficiencies do not cause any specific disease in humans but can lead to a condition known as ‘burning feet syndrome’ when the feet ache, burn, and throb. Other deficiency symptoms include a wide range of mental and physiological disorders, among them headaches, depression, arm and leg cramps, respiratory infections, digestive disorders, and irregularities of heartbeat.
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Manage stress from psychological strain, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, and smoking and alcohol cessation
The body relies on pantothenic acid to help the adrenal glands produce stress hormones during times of both psychological and physical strain. This property makes it potentially useful for dealing with emotional upset, depression, anxiety, migraines, chronic fatigue, and withdrawal from alcohol or tobacco. It is commonly taken as part of a vitamin B complex supplement for these purposes. In addition, pantothenic acid may reduce the occurrence of migraines by participating in the production of the brain chemical Serotonin; some research indicates that serotonin is present at abnormally low levels in migraine sufferers.
WholeHealthMD
Reduce certain allergy symptoms and asthmatic reactions
Allergy sufferers may find pantothenic acid beneficial for controlling the nasal congestion that can develop during an allergic reaction. The vitamin is a smart choice during allergy season, when it can be safely taken along with more conventional remedies. An asthmatic response initiated by seasonal allergies may similarly improve with pantothenic acid.
WholeHealthMD
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