Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 Basics

Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic Acid, is the anti-stress vitamin (water-soluble) and stamina enhancer. This vitamin plays an important role in production of adrenal hormones (adrenal glands). It is required for the formation of antibodies (immune system), and helps to convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. Vitamin B5 is a component of coenzyme A, which is needed to carry out metabolic functions. Additionally, Vitamin B5 helps to produce neurotransmitters required for proper nerve and muscle performance. A deficiency of Pantothenic acid may cause fatigue, psoriasis, and headache. Vitamin B5 is often used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis; swelling, pain, and stiffness.

Dosage Guidelines

Vitamin B5 is available alone as calcium panthothenate (8% calcium, 92% pantothenic acid). However, to avoid vitamin B imbalance, take a B-complex formula that includes Vitamin B5 or with other B vitamins.

• Regular stress relief 250-500-mg per day
• Rheumatoid Arthritis 2,000-mg (1,000-mg twice a day)
• Lower Cholesterol/Triglycerides 900-mg (300-mg three times a day)

This vitamin is available in 100-mg, 250-mg, and 500-mg capsules. Vitamin B5 should be taken with water after eating.

Sources

The best dietary sources for Vitamin B5 are beef, poultry, fish, brewer's yeast, whole-grain breads, whole grain cereals, legumes, avocados, nuts, cheese, potatoes, eggs, milk, and bananas.

Cautions

Vitamin B5 has not known side effects or adverse interactions with other supplements or medications.