Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Also known as: Pantothenic acid

Vitamin B5 is water soluble so it must be supplemented daily; however it can be manufactured by the intestinal flora in the body.

B5 is most effective when taken with the B group of vitamins, as well as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

Vitamin B5 also plays a big role in maintaining muscle tone along the digestive tract, maintains health of the nervous system, skin, eyes, mouth as well as the liver as do all the B vitamins.

Vitamin B5 is water soluble and must be taken every day due to the fact that it is not stored in the body for long periods of time for it is excreted within one to four days of manufacture or consumption.

Home Remedies using Vitamin B5:

Benefits and Uses of Vitamin B5:

Vitamin B5 is involved in the role of secretion of hormones, such as cortisone, because it supports the adrenal gland.

These hormones assist metabolism, help fight allergies and are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin, nerves and muscles. It also:

  • Release energy and aids in metabolism of fat, protein and carbs
  • Aids in creating lipids, neurotransmitters, hemoglobin and steroid hormones
  • Plays a role in the formation of antibodies
  • Aids in vitamin utilization
  • Is an essential element of Coenzyme A
  • It is required by every cell in the body for proper function and is concentrated in the organs
  • Required for normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
  • May be helpful for treating anxiety and depression

Acne Treatment:

This controversial acne treatment has a wide array of followers—from weary skeptics to those who swear by their beloved B5.

The theory, proposed by Lit-Hung Leung, M.D., states that people suffering from acne are lacking the ability to proficiently metabolize fats due to a lack in Coenzyme-A, a compound present in all living cells which is essential to the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and some amino acids.

Taking high doses of Vitamin B5 in turn produces high amounts of Coenzyme-A, allowing the fat to break down. This creates acne-free, oil-free skin with smaller pores!

It is recommended to take 10 grams (not milligrams) of pathogenic acid a day in four divided doses.

Depending on the severity of acne, it may be necessary to increase dosage to 15 to 20 grams.

Take Vitamin B5 daily. You will not see the results you want if taken sporadically and not at the correct dosage.

Administer the dosages at intervals and with food, as to not upset your stomach. It can take anywhere from a week to a few months to see results.

The important thing to remember is to continue taking B5 even after your acne has cleared up (although with a smaller dose), as it will surely come back.

Vitamin B5 is also found to be helpful for:

  • Prevention of the graying of hair
  • Fighting wrinkles of the skin
  • Combating the physical effects of stress

(Note: People under a lot of stress, those prone to allergies, those consuming alcohol or eating too many refined foods may develop a shortage of Vitamin B5.)

Vitamin B5 comes in the following over the counter forms:

  • Tablet
  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Sublingual
  • Lozenge
  • Liquid

Vitamin B5 can be found in all foods, but the highest concentrations can be found in:

  • Beans
  • Beef
  • Eggs
  • Salt water fish
  • Mother’s milk
  • Pork
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Whole wheat

Side Effects of Vitamin B5:

There are no side effects documented to date, even with intakes of up to 10 grams per day, however very large amounts of Vitamin B5 can cause diarrhea.

(Note: Taking any one of the B vitamins alone for long periods of time can result in an imbalance of other B vitamins, for this reason it is best to take a B vitamin complex formula rather than a single B vitamin supplement alone.)