A Guide to Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic Acid, is one of the most prolific of all the vitamins, and is found in some amount in nearly every type of food. In fact, it is virtually impossible for a person to consume less B5 vitamin than they require, meaning that there is little possibility that a person can have a B5 vitamin deficiency. Pantothenic acid is needed to form coenzyme-A (CoA), and is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

For this reason, there is actually no recommended daily amount of vitamin b5, as everyone obtains more than enough from their normal food consumption. However, even though there is no need to calculate a recommended daily allowance it does not mean that the B5 vitamin is not vital for a healthy body and mind. In fact,  vitamin B5 vitamin is essential for turning food into energy, amongst other functions. The B5 vitamin is responsible for converting the fats and carbohydrates in our foods into usable energy.*

As mentioned, at least some vitamin b5 can be found in almost every food source, whether it be animal or vegetable. Obviously there are some sources of vitmain B5 which are better than others, however a balanced diet will provide more than enough. The foods with the highest B5 vitamin content are: organ meats, salmon, eggs, beans, milk, and whole grains. It is worth noting that the B5 vitamin is lost when grains are milled into flour, and tends not to added back in. Therefore, processed grain foods such as bread, pasta, rice, breakfast cereal, and baked goods are not good sources of the B5 vitamin.

Vitamin B5, as you might suspect, is a part of B complex of vitamins, and is most effective when it is combined with other B vitamins, especially thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), and biotin. *Along with these other B vitamins, the B5 vitamin plays an integral part in a number of processes. The most important of these is the production of energy from food that is consumed, and this is known as the Kreb’s cycle. The B5 vitamin is also specifically required for releasing energy from fats.

According to our research, doses of 2 grams per day of calcium pantothenate may reduce the duration of morning stiffness, degree of disability, and pain severity in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Although the results are inconsistent, supplementation may also improve oxygen utilization efficiency and reduce lactic acid accumulation in athletes.

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