Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - Galway Independent

Home

Sections

Living

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 14 February 2007

Vitamin B5 can enhance stamina, prevent certain forms of anaemia and is a vital nutrient in sustaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract, writes Dr Bhatti

B5 is an extremely important member of the B family. Known as the 'anti stress vitamin', it plays a role in the production of the adrenal hormones and the formation of antibodies, aids in vitamin utilisation and helps to convert fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy. Every single cell in the body requires B5 with concentrated amounts found in the organs. It is also involved in the production of neurotransmitters and healthy nerve and muscle function.

Some nutritionists recommend taking vitamin B5 for fatigue, allergies, asthma, psoriasis or if you have a very active or stressful lifestyle. B5 has also proven useful in reducing the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis and to improve wound healing, especially after surgery. It also seems to speed up the detoxification process. B5 can enhance stamina, prevent certain forms of anaemia and is a vital nutrient in sustaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Some health care practitioners recommend B5 for depression and anxiety.

B5 (Pantothenic acid) gets its name from the Greek word pantos, meaning 'everywhere' because it is available in a wide variety of foods and is also produced naturally by intestinal bacteria. Deficiency is, however, becoming more common due to over processing and cooking of foods causing the vitamin to be lost.

Fresh meats, vegetables, and whole unprocessed grains have more vitamin B5 than refined, canned and frozen food. The best sources are brewer's yeast, whole-grain breads and cereals, mushrooms, liver, dried beans and peas, avocados, fish, chicken, pecans, hazelnuts, peanuts, cauliflower, milk and cheese, potatoes, oranges, bananas, Royal Jelly and eggs. Deficiency of the vitamin is common in people who abuse alcohol and people with a compromised digestive system and malabsorption problems. Deficiency is more common in teenagers who consume a diet high in refined, processed foods and 'fast foods'. The problem is often compounded if a child suffers with acne because some of the antibiotics used to treat acne interfere with healthy intestinal bacteria, which in turn reduces natural production of B5 in the colon. Symptoms of deficiency include: fatigue, headaches, nausea, tingling in the hands and painful burning in the feet.

Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. Next week's topic is B6. If you would like a topic covered, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091-568804.

Comments (0) »