The B5 Vitamin is a water soluble vitamin.
Water soluble vitamins, unlike fat soluble ones, need to be taken in from the foods we eat or supplements we take since they cannot be stored by the body.
Vitamin B5 is also known as pantothenic acid.
Vital Vitamin B5 Facts
Pantothenic AcidThe B5 vitamin supports carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and hemoglobin synthesis.
One of its roles is to help assist in the release of energy from protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
A simpler way of stating this is that vitamin B5 is needed by the body for the metabolism of foods we eat.
It also helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Other Vitamin B5 FactsVitamin B5 is needed for our bodies to synthesize cholesterol.
Most people have been "duped" into believing that cholesterol is all bad. However, cholesterol is essential and needed to maintain the health of cell membranes. Recall that there is both good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL).
The B5 vitamin may be "useful in acne, alcoholism, allergies, hairloss, asthma, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, candidiasis, heart disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory disorders, celiac disease, cystitis, dandruff, depression, diabetic neuropathy, enhancing immune function, improving athletic performance, grey hair, headache, hyperactivity, hypoglycemia, insomnia, irritability, low blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscular cramps in the legs associated with pregnancy or alcoholism, neuralgia, and obesity."
The B5 vitamin may also potentially have some benefits for: "orally for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuritis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), prostatitis, protection against mental and physical stress and anxiety, reducing signs of aging, reducing susceptibility to colds and other infections, retarded growth, shingles, skin disorders, stimulating adrenal glands, mouth ulcers, chronic fatigue syndrome, vertigo, and wound healing."
Vitamin B5 ToxicityBecause the B5 vitamin is water soluble, toxicity is extremely uncommon. However, even though Vitamin B5 toxicity is virtually unheard of, it could possibly cause diarrhea if too much is taken.
We always advise you speak with your physician before supplementation of any kind, however. Especially pregnant or nursing women.
The B5 Vitamin: How much to take?
Therapeutic dosages range anywhere from 30 mg to 1,000 mg per day.
Make sure you buy a B5 Vitamin product that contains other B vitamins as well as they work synergistically.
Total Balance contains B5, and this is the supplement product we use as part of our daily health regimen.
|