I took to researching the B5 Vitamin only a short while ago and found some very interesting facts. Most surprising was the number of functions this B-Vitamin played. Seemingly it gave a little to almost every critical the body performs. Such functions as the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates for energy, the manufacture of red blood cells, as well as sex and stress-related hormones produced in the adrenal glands, small glands that sit atop the kidneys. Like all Vitamins B5 works best in conjunction with other Vitamins. Several studies have shown that B5 supplements can speed wound healing when taken with Vitamin C. This is important in the case of major injuries or for post-surgery healing.
Vitamin B5 is also important in maintaining a healthy digestive tract, as I said earlier it helps the body use other vitamins, particularly B2 or riboflavin. Another fact of B5 is that yo ur body needs it (Pantothenic Acid) to synthesize cholesterol. Current studies are being conducted in hopes of finding out if supplementing B5 does in can decrease Cholesterol. Although B5 is not well known its almost always included in most multi-vitamin supplements especially a multi B-Vitamin supplement. So read the labeling on supplements to see what’s included.
The good news is that a deficiency in B5 is rare and can quickly be remedied with moderate supplementation. Vitamin B5 can be found in multivitamins and B complex vitamins. Not really sold as “B5” its normally sold separately under the names Pantothenic Acid and/or Calcium Pantothenate. So be and sure look for these names when looking for B5. Available like most supplements in a variety of forms including tablets, softgels, and capsules. Toxicity is highly unlikely as B5 is also a “water soluble” Vitamin so excess literally runs off excreted through your urine. No Upper Limit (UL) has been established as of yet for this B-Vitamin. There are no reports of any adverse reactions associated with the Vitamin as well
Another nice feature of B5 is that it can be found in almost any and everything we eat. Which means a deficiency would almost always occur as a result of a poor diet in most cases. In the event of a deficiency these foods have been known to have “high” amounts B5. So whether addition to or in place of supplements altering your diet to include some or all of these foods can also bring your body back to an adequate level. Foods high in B5 (Pantothenic Acid) include:
Eggs
Whole Grain Cereals
Legumes
Eggs
Fish
Chicken
Beef
Pork
Avocados
Yogurt
