Vitamin B5: history, chemistry, pharmacology, usage, warnings

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for various bodily functions. It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and is required for the production of several important compounds in the body, including coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein. In this article, we will explore what vitamin B5 is, its history, chemistry, pharmacology, positive effects, negative effects, usage, combinations, warnings, and references.

What is Vitamin B5?

Vitamin B5 is a member of the B-complex group of vitamins. It was first isolated and identified in 1933 by Roger J. Williams and Robert R. Williams. Vitamin B5 is found in many foods, including meat, eggs, dairy products, legumes, whole grains, and vegetables. It is also available in supplement form.

History

The discovery of vitamin B5 began in the early 1900s, when researchers found that a substance in liver could cure a condition called "burning foot syndrome" in chickens. This condition was caused by a deficiency of vitamin B5, and was characterized by inflammation and nerve damage in the feet. In 1933, Roger J. Williams and Robert R. Williams isolated vitamin B5 from liver, and named it pantothenic acid, which means "from everywhere" in Greek.

Chemistry

Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble vitamin that is stable in acidic conditions, but is easily destroyed by heat, oxidation, and alkaline substances. It exists in two forms, namely pantothenic acid and its derivative, pantethine. Pantothenic acid is the biologically active form of vitamin B5, while pantethine is a combination of pantothenic acid and cysteamine.

Pharmacology

Vitamin B5 is absorbed in the small intestine and is transported to various tissues in the body, where it is converted into coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein. Coenzyme A is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, while acyl carrier protein is required for the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol.

Positive Effects

Vitamin B5 has several positive effects on the body. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, and is required for the production of several important compounds in the body, including coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein. Vitamin B5 also helps to support adrenal function, and may be beneficial for individuals with stress-related disorders. Additionally, some studies suggest that vitamin B5 may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may help to improve skin health.

Negative Effects

Vitamin B5 is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, and there are no known negative effects associated with its use at recommended doses. However, high doses of vitamin B5 may cause diarrhea, and may interfere with the absorption of other B vitamins.

Usage

The recommended daily intake of vitamin B5 is 5 mg per day for adults. However, higher doses may be required for individuals with certain health conditions or deficiencies. Vitamin B5 is found in many foods, including meat, eggs, dairy products, legumes, whole grains, and vegetables. It is also available in supplement form, and is often included in B-complex supplements.

Combinations

Vitamin B5 is often combined with other B vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid, to help support energy metabolism and overall health. It may also be combined with vitamin C and vitamin E to provide antioxidant support.

Warnings

Vitamin B5 is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, high doses of vitamin B5 may cause diarrhea, and may interfere with the absorption of other B vitamins. Additionally, individuals with kidney disease should consult with their healthcare provider before taking vitamin B5 supplements, as excessive intake may lead to a build-up of the vitamin in the body.

References

1. Institute of Medicine (US) Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes and its Panel on Folate, Other B Vitamins, and Choline. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1998. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK114310/

2. Rucker RB, Suttie JW, McCormick DB. Handbook of Vitamins. 4th edition. CRC Press; 2007.

3. El-Ashmawy IM, Saleh SM, Reda EH. Pantothenic acid as a potential treatment for the metabolic disturbances associated with obesity. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2015;77:13-7. doi: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2015.04.001.

4. Leung LH. Pantothenic acid deficiency as the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Med Hypotheses. 1995;44(6):490-2. doi: 10.1016/0306-9877(95)90234-x.

5. Traber MG, Atkinson J. Vitamin E, antioxidant and nothing more. Free Radic Biol Med. 2007;43(1):4-15. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2007.03.024.

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