Vitamin B5

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• QWhat is vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) used for?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is used in the body to help cells release energy and to maintain a healthy nervous system. This vitamin also helps break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats that are found in other foods in the diet. Most people absorb this vitamin naturally in their diets. People who do not get enough vitamin B5 through food will need to take a vitamin B5 supplement to treat the deficiency.
  
  
• QAre vitamin B5 supplements safe for pregnant or nursing women?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  It's possible for vitamin B5 supplements to be transferred to your fetus or baby through pregnancy or breast milk. It's perfectly safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women to eat foods with vitamin B5, but talk to your doctor before taking vitamin B5 supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding, to be sure that extra vitamin B5 is safe for you and your baby.
  
  
• QHow does vitamin B5 affect blood sugar?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Like all B vitamins, vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is vital to normal metabolism, including helping your body convert the energy in food into blood sugar, which can then act as fuel for your body. It is also important for the formation of red blood cells in your body and hormones produced by your adrenal glands and is essential to normal growth and development. Eggs, broccoli, milk, yogurt, shellfish, chicken and many other foods are rich in pantothenic acid. Talk to your doctor for more information about pantothenic acid.
  
• QWhat is vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Vitamin B5 -- also called pantothenic acid -- is a vitamin found naturally in peas, beans, whole grains, meat and fish. This vitamin is important for aiding in the release of energy by cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Some people do not get enough of this vitamin in their diets and require a vitamin B5 supplement. You do not need a prescription to take a pantothenic acid supplement, which you ingest orally. It is relatively safe to take pantothenic acid and it is important for a complete and healthy diet.
   
• QWho should take vitamin B5?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Everybody should ingest a certain amount of vitamin B5 in their diet. Vitamin B5 -- also called pantothenic acid -- is important for aiding in the release of energy by cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Some people do not get enough of this vitamin in their diets and require a vitamin B5 supplement. You do not need a prescription to take a pantothenic acid supplement, which you ingest orally. It is relatively safe to take pantothenic acid and it is important for a complete and healthy diet. Your doctor will recommend a specific dosage if you need to be taking extra vitamin B5.
   
• QWhat foods are good sources of pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5?

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  A Dr. Rovenia Brock, PhD , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered

  Pantothenic acid is widely available in plant and animal food sources. Rich sources include organ meats (liver, kidney), egg yolk, whole grains, avocados, cashew nuts, peanuts, lentils, soybeans, brown rice, broccoli and milk.

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• QHow does vitamin B5 work?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is absorbed by the body through the foods that you eat.
  
  When you eat beans, peas, whole grains, meat, and fish, your body processes the vitamin B5 that is found in those foods. If you do not eat enough of these foods, you will have to take vitamin B5 supplements. These supplements are orally ingested, and the body then uses them as it would the naturally found vitamin.
• QHow does vitamin B5 interact with other supplements?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  While taking vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), avoid taking large amounts of other vitamins, particularly megavitamins or vitamin therapy. Make sure your doctor is aware of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements.
   
• QHow much vitamin B5 should I take to help my cholesterol levels?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Talk to your doctor about whether you should take vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, for your cholesterol and, if so, what would be the right dose for you. In studies, when people with high cholesterol took three daily doses of 300 milligrams (mg) of pantethine (a derivative of pantothenic acid), they were able to lower their total levels of cholesterol and triglyceride (a form of blood fat) more than people who took a placebo. One study of perimenopausal women found that 900 mg daily of pantethine lowered LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and total cholesterol levels without side effects. Pantethine is available as a supplement. Pantothenic acid is found in many foods including eggs, chicken, whole grains, avocados and potatoes.

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• QWhy is Panthenol (vitamin B5) useful in cosmetics?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Panthenol is added to both moisturizers and hair care products for its ability to hold and attract water. In hair products, panthenol works to increase the flexibility of hair, making it feel softer and more manageable.