Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin involved in the cycle of energy production in our body and is needed to make the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is also essential in producing, transporting, and releasing energy from fats.
Synthesis of cholesterol, needed to manufacture vitamin D and steroid hormones, depends on pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid also activates the adrenal glands.
Pantethine, a byproduct of pantothenic acid, has been reported to lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Vitamin B5 forms part of two substances, co-enzyme A and the acyl carrier protein, both of which play key roles in the release of energy from the food you eat. Vitamin B5 is also needed for healthy growth and the production of antibodies to help fight infection.
Poor muscle co-ordination, muscle cramps, numbness and tingling, painful burning feet, depression, fatigue, weakness, headache and loss of appetite result if you are deficient in this vitamin, which people that consume large amounts of alcohol plus people under stress or who have undergone surgery need to take even more of.
Besides playing a role in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates for energy, Vitamin B5 is critical to the manufacture of red blood cells as well as sex and stress-related hormones produced in the adrenal glands (small glands that sit atop of the kidneys).
Vitamin B5 is also important in maintaining a healthy digestive tract and it helps your body use other vitamins (particularly B2 [riboflavin]) more effectively. It is sometimes called the "anti-stress" vitamin because it is believed to enhance the activity of the immune system and improve your body's ability to withstand stressful conditions.
Research studies suggest that vitamin B5 supplements may speed wound healing, especially following surgery. This may be particularly true if you combined vitamin B5 with vitamin C.