Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is commonly in the form of calcium pantothenate in both production and clinical settings, thus Vitamin B5 is also referred to as calcium pantothenate.
The inventor of "pantothenic acid" is named Williams. In 1933, he isolated a substance from yeast that could stimulate its growth. Later, he discovered that this substance was widely distributed in animals and plants, hence the name Pantothenic acid, meaning "acidic substance found everywhere." In 1950, pantothenic acid was proven to be a component of coenzyme A.
The functions of pantothenic acid powder
The primary physiological function of pantothenic acid powder is to form coenzyme A, through which it plays a role in metabolism
Coenzyme A is an auxiliary factor for more than 70 enzyme reaction pathways in the body. It participates in carbohydrate decomposition, fatty acid oxidation, amino acid degradation, pyruvate breakdown, stimulates the citric acid cycle, and provides 90% of the energy needed for bodily activities. Coenzyme A also participates in the synthesis of a large number of essential substances in the body, such as synthesizing neuro-muscular messengers and neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain, and promoting sleep-inducing melatonin.
Neuro-muscular messengers exchange information between nerves and muscles.
Neurotransmitters transmit information related to emotions, external stimuli, memory, learning, etc., between nerves and the brain.
Melatonin can adjust circadian rhythms, delay aging, and prevent cancer.
Coenzyme A supports the body's immune system in detoxifying harmful substances, activates white blood cells, promotes the synthesis of hemoglobin, antibodies, as well as connective tissue components such as chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. It can be said that coenzyme A formed by pantothenic acid permeates almost every cell in the body.
Prevent and treat certain diseases
One of the functions of pantothenic acid powder is to manufacture antibodies, which can help in the treatment of arthritis, gout, Addison's disease (also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency due to the inability of the adrenal glands to produce enough cortisol), lupus, and other diseases. It can also be used as an adjunct in the treatment of vitamin B deficiency, malabsorption syndrome, tropical sprue, celiac disease, localized enteritis; used with folic acid and vitamin B6, it can prevent influenza.
Improve poor hair and skin conditions
Pantothenic acid is closely related to the nutritional status of hair and skin. Supplementing with calcium pantothenate can improve hair gloss, prevent hair loss, promote hair growth, reduce split ends, prevent dryness and breakage, and provide moisturizing, repairing, and caring effects on hair. It can also protect dermal tissues, prevent skin dryness, and slow down the premature appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation.
Enhance the body's stress level
When the body is sufficient in pantothenic acid, it can meet the need to increase blood sugar concentration to cope with stress in emergencies. The glycogen stored in the liver can increase sevenfold immediately to provide the body with energy.
Alleviate allergy symptoms and the side effects and toxicity of various antibiotics
60% of milk-fed infants have had allergic reactions, whereas breastfed infants do not have this issue. Although milk, canned fresh milk, and infant formula contain pantothenic acid powder, it is very easily lost during heating. However, as long as calcium pantothenate and vitamin C are supplemented, allergy symptoms will quickly disappear.
Deficiency of pantothenic acid powder
Pantothenic acid powder deficiency can cause metabolic disorders in the body. The common impacts are reduced fat synthesis and insufficient energy production. Human dietary-induced pantothenic acid deficiency is very rare. Individual cases occur in patients with severe malnutrition and those using metabolic antagonists like w-methylpantothenic acid.
Symptoms of pantothenic acid deficiency include fatigue, headache, dizziness, weakness, rapid heartbeat, upper respiratory tract infections, loss of appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms. Severe cases may show depression, lack of motivation, fatigue, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, cramps in arms and legs, a burning sensation in the feet, enhanced stress response, increased sensitivity to insulin leading to hypoglycemia. Therefore, pantothenic acid powder is an indispensable nutrient for the human body.
Who needs to supplement with pantothenic acid powder?
People frequently experiencing tingling in the hands and feet: When the body lacks pantothenic acid, the hands and feet may feel tingling. At this point, supplementing with an appropriate amount of pantothenic acid preparation and using it in combination with B vitamins can improve the discomfort.
People with mental stress and high pressure
Pantothenic acid powder can help fight depression, alleviate tension, and improve the body's ability to handle stress.
Undernourished people
Individuals with monotonous diets lacking in protein, fats, and carbohydrates are prone to pantothenic acid deficiency and may also exhibit other vitamin deficiencies. It is necessary to increase foods like yeast powder, animal liver, and wheat germ in their diet while appropriately taking pantothenic acid supplements.
Smokers
Smoking accelerates the consumption of nutrients and inhibits the absorption and utilization of nutrients by the body, so smokers should supplement with pantothenic acid powder to avoid deficiency syndromes.
Alcoholics
Drinking alcohol reduces the body's ability to absorb pantothenic acid powder, easily leading to a deficiency, so it is best to consume additional amounts.
Patients with arthritis, infectious diseases, and allergic symptoms
Take 50 milligrams of pantothenic acid supplements between meals and before bed, with a maximum of 100 milligrams per day, to speed up recovery. Once symptoms ease, take 50 milligrams after meals.
Women taking contraceptive pills
Since contraceptive pills can affect the absorption of pantothenic acid powder, women who regularly take contraceptive pills should pay attention to their pantothenic acid intake.
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