Nutritional Imbalance: Low Pantothenic Acid

background info | recommendations

All B vitamin links: B-1 (Thiamin) | B-2 (Riboflavin) | B-3 (Niacin)
B-5 ( Pantothenic Acid) | B-6 (Pyridoxine) | B-9 (Folic Acid) | B-12

Vitamin B-5, commonly known as pantothenic acid, is required for the release of energy from food; metabolism of cholesterol and fatty acids; and for maintaining a healthy immune system, nervous system and adrenals. Pantothenic acid is needed for the body's manufacture of adrenal hormones -- the substances hat give you the ability to deal effectively with stress of all kinds. Stress uses up your body's reserves of vitamin B-5, and makes you feel weak and tired. However, ingesting more B-5 (either through whole foods and/or supplements) usually can help renew your strength and vitality.

B-5 was discovered in 1933 by the American biochemist, Dr. Roger Williams. He found that a deficiency of vitamin B-5 in animals can lead to a variety of degenerative diseases and eventually death. He also discovered that people under constant psychological stress have an even greater need for vitamin B-5, and it was shortly after this finding that B-5 became known as the "stress vitamin".

Pantothenic Acid Recommendations:

Foods are your best sources of all nutrients. If your chart shows deficiencies of any B vitamins, increase your intake of vitamin B-rich foods, take a good multivitamin/mineral capsule or a B-complex tablet daily (with a meal) and follow all recommendations to improve your digestion.

Low levels of vitamin B-5 should be corrected through diet and the addition of a multivitamin/mineral tablet containing B vitamins. Royal jelly is an excellent supplementary source of pantothenic acid and other B vitamins. Do NOT take royal jelly if you are allergic to bee stings.

Although there is little pantothenic acid in fresh fruits and vegetables, it is found in a wide range of other foods: eggs, meat, soybeans, whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, lentils, peanuts, peas, beans and salmon. Heat and food processing techniques destroy pantothenic acid. It is important to cut back on refined sugar and white flour products. While most people can safely take relatively high doses of pantothenic acid (up to 400mg three times a day), try this only if your doctor recommends it. Pantothenic acid supplements are sometimes prescribed for glandular imbalances and other problems.