VITAMIN B5 - PANTOTHENIC ACID

Anti-Stress Vitamin

Vitamin B5 also known as Pantothenic Acid, is a pale yellow vitamin which helps to maintain normal growth and the health of the nervous system. It is useful to reduce the effects of stress on the body. It boosts energy levels and improves the immune response. It can also lower the cholesterol.

Role in the Body

It is a part of the enzyme system, which plays a vital role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and in the synthesis of amino acids and fatty acids. It is also essential for the formation of prophyrin, the pigment portion of the haemoglobin molecule of the red blood cells.

Sources

The best natural sources are meat, whole grains, bran, peanuts, mushrooms, split peas, soya beans, chicken, molasses, yeast and eggs. 

Deficiency Symptoms

A deficiency of Pantothenic Acid can cause chronic fatigue, vomiting, cramps, insomnia, reduced resistance to infections, abdominal pain. It can also lead to greying and loss of hair, mental depression, irritability and dizziness.

Healing and Therapeutic Properties

The Pantothenic Acid has been found valuable in combating the effects of stress. It prevents and cures arthritis. Pantothenic Acid plays an important role in the body during infections by protecting the liver. While treating infections with antibiotics, the supplementation of Pantothenic Acid also minimises the chances of drug-resistant organisms, reduces the risk of untoward reactions to the antibiotics, and increases antibodies in the body.