From Natural WellBeing
Vitamin B5 is also called Pantothenic acid and is a part of the B vitamin family. All the 8 B vitamins are needed to convert carbohydrates into energy; the process involves burning glucose for energy use. The B vitamins may also be called complex vitamins since it is needed in the many complex metabolic processes for healthy skin, eyes, hair, nervous system and internal organs. Vitamin B5 is water soluble and can easily be digested. It is also found in many kinds of food making regular intake easy.
History and Origin
The discovery of the B vitamins has led to the research of the many benefits of each of the 8 B vitamins. Pantothenic acid has been found to be beneficial in the many metabolic processes of the many organs of the body. It is also found in most staple foods making it one of the easiest vitamins to find. There are also vitamin B5 supplements that you can take to help augment your dietary intake of this necessary vitamin.
The name pantothenic acid comes from the Greek word pantos meaning everywhere.
Vitamin B5 was not heard of during ancient times but the food sources of this B vitamin are a staple food of most cultures. Animal meat, organ meat, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds and whole wheat are rich sources of this vitamin and these foods are a part of our ancestor’s regular diet.
Vitamin B5 has many uses; aside from being found naturally in most foods that we eat, vitamin B5 can also be taken in supplement form. Vitamin B5 is necessary for the breakdown and the digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins for the body’s energy use. It can also be used to maintain healthy body organs such as the skin, eyes, hair, digestive tract, immune system and nervous system.
Vitamin B5 is known to be effective in the treatment and prevention of stress and anxiety attacks. It is also great in lowering blood cholesterol and may even lower blood pressure as a result as well. Wound treatment and remedies to increase wound healing often contain vitamin B5. Vitamin B5 combined with vitamin C is a great way to speed up wound healing especially in post surgery. There are also studies regarding the effectiveness of vitamin B5 in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
There are many sources of vitamin B5 and it is impossible to be deficient from this vitamin. It is found in fresh animal meats, organ meats, poultry, eggs, fish, yeast, whole wheat, vegetables, lentils and seeds.
In normal doses (adults 19 years and above: 5mg a day), vitamin B5 is relatively safe since it is easily absorbed by the body. It is however possible to develop diarrhea and bleeding in very high doses.
Take vitamin B5 with water and take supplements after eating a meal. It is important to consult a doctor regarding the intake and dosage of multivitamins or vitamin B5 supplements. Pregnant and breastfeeding women must not exceed allowable doses of 6 to 7 mg per day.