
Although pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 offers several health benefits, excessive consumption of this vitamin can result in side effects. This article provides information regarding the same.
Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 is an antioxidant, water-soluble vitamin. It plays a significant role in the oxidation (breaking down) of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins (certain amino acids). It is one of the important types of vitamin B, which is essential to sustain life. It is a component of B complex vitamin supplements.
Health Benefits
Following are the health benefits of pantothenic acid:
- It is used to treat respiratory disorders and heart problems.
- It helps prevent early aging and promotes physical growth.
- It helps alleviate the symptoms of diabetes, skin disorders, osteoarthritis, etc.
- It helps alleviate the symptoms of asthma and allergy.
- It works great for hair loss. It also offers smooth and glowing skin.
- Vitamin B5 helps strengthen the immune system. It thus lowers the chances of having various types of infections.
- It also helps alleviate the symptoms of psychological stress and anxiety. It triggers the production of steroids and neurotransmitters in brain.
- It helps prevent various types of diseases and disorders, as it has antioxidant properties. It ensures good health and is required for proper functioning of each part of the body. It helps extract vital nutrients like fats, carbohydrates, and proteins from the ingested food.
Deficiency
Burning foot syndrome is one of the significant symptoms of pantothenic acid deficiency. Such vitamin deficiency usually exhibits symptoms like lack of sensation and intense pain in feet. Increased fatigue, insomnia, and anemia can be experienced due to vitamin B5 deficiency. The deficiency may lead to vomiting, contraction of muscles, and abnormal skin developments. Elderly people, pregnant women, people who follow wrong diet, athletes with increased nutritional requirements, people with chronic illnesses, and people leading a stressful life may experience vitamin B5 deficiency.
Supplements
Mushrooms, corn, peanuts, broccoli, cabbage, legumes, salmon, collard green, eggs, beef (especially liver and kidney), fish, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, nuts, milk, and cheese are some of the common sources of vitamin B5. The consumption of foods rich in this acid will never excessively increase its level in the body; however, taking vitamin B complex supplements in any form (including injections) will increase the chances of an overdose.
This may give rise to various side effects in the body. Therefore, the recommended daily intake of B vitamins should be taken into consideration while taking the injections, pills, tablets, or any other form of the supplements. D calcium pantothenate is the commonly available form of vitamin B5 in supplements.
Overdose Symptoms
An overdose generally does not lead to toxicity; however, very large intake of vitamin B5 (10 grams or more a day) may lead to water retention, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. It can affect the body’s metabolism. There is no officially declared recommended daily allowance (RDA) of pantothenic acid as such. Adults may need 5 mg per day, whereas pregnant ladies and breastfeeding women may require 6 – 7 mg of this vitamin per day. Infants may need 1.7 – 1.8 mg/day, while kids may need 2 – 4 mg/day, depending upon the age. Generally, this much vitamin B5 is present in any balanced or healthy diet.
The symptoms may vary from person to person. Some people may experience an allergic reaction. They may experience skin rash or hives, breathing difficulty, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, etc. People diagnosed with hemophilia should avoid taking this vitamin in large amounts. In the occurrence of bleeding, they might experience considerable loss of blood, as it may take more time to stop it.
Normally, use of pantothenic acid is considered safe for children, as well as adults. It is generally taken with other B vitamins. Consumption of vitamin B5 can actually correct the deficiency of other vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. It helps improve your overall health in several ways. Although the symptoms of overdose are very rarely noticed, one should consult a doctor for proper dose of the essential vitamin to be on the safer side.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.