Vitamin B5 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that is found in almost any and every food item. Get information on the health benefits, sources, functions and deficiency of Vitamin B5.

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Vitamin B5 Benefits

A water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin B5 is used by the body in the performance of almost every function. It is also known by the name of Pantothenic Acid and is said to be one of the essential nutrients required by the human body. The term 'Pantothenic' has been derived from a Greek word 'pantothen', which means 'from everywhere'. Since the vitamin is found, though in small quantities, in almost every food, the name suits it perfectly. In the following lines, we have provided information on the health benefits, sources, functions and deficiency of Vitamin B5, to help you explore it fully.
 
Benefits 
  • It is used in the treatment of the burning sensation of hands and feet.
  • It helps fight wrinkles as well as premature graying of hair
  • Studies have indicated that it might prove useful in management of certain medical disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • It is believed to contribute towards the treatment of alopecia.
  • It balances hormones and is essential for maintaining good health.
  • It promotes the health of the skin as well as the nervous system.
  • It helps reduce the risks involved with heart disease.
  • Researches are of the opinion that it might be used to treat some types of acne.
  • It is helpful in making essential steroids.
  • It is said to be involved in the regulation of gene expression and in signal transduction.
  • The pantethine present in Vitamin B might help lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
  • It is believed to help reduce fatigue and thereby, enhance stamina.
  • It can help body fight the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
  • It is used to heal wounds faster.
 
Recommended Daily Intake
 
Age Group
Male (mg/day)
Female (mg/day)
0-6 months 
1.7 
1.7
7-12 months 
1.8    
1.8
1-3 years 
2 
2
4-8 years 
3 
3 
9-13 years    
4 
4
14-18 years
5 
5
19 years and above
5
5
 
 
Sources 
  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cheese
  • Collard greens
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Legumes
  • Liver
  • Meat
  • Milk
  • Mushrooms
  • Nuts
  • Oranges
  • Peanuts and peanut butter
  • Peas
  • Potatoes
  • Poultry
  • Soya beans and bean flour
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Wheat germ
  • Whole grain products
  • Yeast 
Functions 
  • Plays an important part in the lipid metabolism
  • Acts as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol
  • Protein-bound pantothenic acid is required for biosynthesis of fatty acids
  • Aids the synthesis of hemoglobin
  • Serves as one of the neurotransmitters in the brain
  • Acts as an adrenal gland stimulant 
Deficiency
The following symptoms will be seen in case of deficiency of Vitamin B5. 
  • Abdominal pains
  • Cardiac instability.
  • Decreased serum potassium
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent infection,
  • Headaches
  • Increased insulin sensitivity
  • Insomnia
  • Intestinal problems, like water retention, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Low resistance to infection
  • Muscle weakness and cramps
  • Nausea
  • Neurological disorders
  • Numbness
  • Overall weakness
  • Paresthesia
  • Personality changes
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Tingling in the hands

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