VITAMIN B-5 PANTOTHENIC ACID
 
  • Dosing
    		•
  • Therapeutic Uses
    		•
  • Sources
    		•
  • High-Risk Groups
    		•
  • Deficiency Consequences
    		•
  • Toxicity/Side Effects
    		•
  • Contraindications
    		•
  • Additional Information
    		•
  • Drug Interactions
    		•
     

     
    United States Recommended Dietary Allowances
    Men - 4-7 mg/day, Women - 4-7 mg/day, Pregnant women - 4-7 mg/day
    Nursing mothers - 4-7 mg/day, Children - 3-5 mg/day, Infants - 2-3 mg/day
     


     
     
     
     
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    Therapeutic Uses
    Pantothenic acid deficiency.  This vitamin is needed to help make coenzyme A.  It helps to break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins for energy.  It helps make cholesterol, bile, vitamins A & D, red blood cells and some hormones.  It helps in the making of some amino acids (methionine, leucine, arginine).  Helps in the making of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.  It also aids in the metabolism of vitamin B-12, hemoglobin and the cytochromes.  This vitamin has reduced morning stiffness and pain in rheumatoid arthritics at 500-2000 mg/day.  Experiments suggest that it may also increase resistance to stress and increase energy.  Aids in normal growth and development.
     
     
     
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    Sources
    Eggs, milk, poultry, liver, fish, whole grain breads and cereals, legumes, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.

     
     
     
     
     
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    High-Risk Groups
    None indicated.


     
     
     
     
     
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    Deficiency Consequences
    Deficiency is difficult to produce, since this vitamin is plentiful in our foods.  Symptoms could include tender heels and feet, fatigue, hemorrhage, increase size of adrenal glands, impaired antibody production, anemia, loss of hair color, nerve damage, dermatitis, hypoglycemia, abnormal heart beat, rapid respiration, convulsions. 
     
     
     
     
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    Toxicity/Side Effects
    This vitamin is nontoxic in humans although diarrhea has been reported in some individuals with large doses.



     
     
     
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    Contraindications
    None indicated.
     
     
     
     
     
     
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    Additional Information/Precautions
    It is suggested that all B-vitamins be consumed in a ratio to one another or consumed simultaneously, although never proven. Pantothenic acid in combination with vitamin C enhanced skin strength and fibroblastic content of scar tissue in would heeling.  

     
     
     
     

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    Drug Interactions
    None indicated, however if taking the calcium form, avoid taking it at the same time as tetracycline or the fluroquinolone (Cipro, Floxin, Levaquin, Maxaquin, Noroxin, Penetrax, Raxar, Zagam) antibiotics.

     
     
     
     
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    References
    1. Chiropractic Nutritional Reference 1987 Edition, James M. Gerber, DC
    2. Facts and Comparisons Drug Information, Updated Monthly, Loose-leaf drug information service
    3. Understanding Vitamins and Minerals, by the editors of Prevention Magazine, 1984