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What is it?
Pantothenic Acid is a
water-soluble vitamin that is one of the B complex vitamins.
It is involved in the release of energy from carbohydrates
and helps to metabolize protein, fat and carbohydrates from
food. Pantothenic acid plays a part in 100 different
chemical reactions needed to produce lipids, steroids,
hemoglobin, and other substances in the body.
What Does
in the Body?
Vitamin B5 helps to produce
neurotransmitters, cholesterol required for proper nerve and
muscle performance. It is also
responsible for hemoglobin production and metabolism of
toxins by the liver.
Vitamin B5
plays an important role in production of adrenal hormones in
the adrenal glands. It plays an important role in cell
division, DNA reproduction and RNA transcription, it
regulates the formation of stress hormones and hair
pigmentation.
Where is it found?
Food sources of pantothenic
acid are, eggs, beef, nuts, vegetables, pork and fish.
No recommended daily intake of pantothenic acid has been
established, since this nutrient is made in our bodies in
sufficient quantities.
Symptoms Of Deficiency/Side Effects
Signs of a deficiency of pantothenic acid include headaches,
fatigue, nausea, cramps, abdominal pain, depression and
muscle weakness.
Like all B vitamins,
pantothenic acid is water-soluble, so
overdose is extremely unlikely. The body excretes excess
amounts of vitamin B5 naturally, though extremely high doses
may cause diarrhea. |
