|
|
|
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B-5)
|
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B-5)
|
BASIC INFORMATIONAvailable from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? Yes
Prescription required? Yes, for injectable forms
Fat-soluble or water-soluble: Water-soluble
NATURAL SOURCES
Blue cheese
Brewer's yeast
Corn
Eggs
Lentils
Liver
Lobster
Meats, all kinds
Peanuts
Peas
Soybeans
Sunflower seeds
Wheat germ
Whole grain products
REASONS TO USE
Promotes normal growth and development.
Aids in release of energy from foods.
Helps synthesis of numerous body materials.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Stimulates wound healing.
Alleviates stress.
Restores gray hair to normal hair color.
Prevents hair from turning gray.
Cures allergies.
Treats alcoholism, liver cirrhosis.
Treats constipation.
Treats fatigue.
Treats stomach ulcers.
Retards aging.
WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?
Anyone with inadequate caloric or nutritional dietary intake
or increased nutritional requirements.
Older people (over 55 years).
Pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Those who abuse alcohol or other drugs.
People with a chronic wasting illness, excess stress for long
periods or who have recently undergone surgery.
Athletes and workers who participate in vigorous physical
activities.
People with a portion of the gastrointestinal tract surgically
removed.
People with recent severe burns or injuries.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
None proved for pantothenic acid alone. However, lack of one B
vitamin usually means lack of other B nutrients. Pantothenic
acid is usually given with other B vitamins if there are
symptoms of ANY vitamin-B deficiency, including excessive
fatigue, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, nausea.
UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS
Nerve damage
Breathing problems
Skin problems
Gray hair
Arthritis
Allergies
Birth defects
Mental fatigue
Headaches
Sleep disturbances
Muscle spasms, cramps
LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY
Methods are limited and expensive. Tests are used only for
research at present. Methods are available to measure blood
levels and levels in 24-hour urine collections.
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
| Age |
Estimated Safe Intake |
| 0-6 months |
2mg/day |
| 6 months-3 years |
3mg/day |
| 4-6 years |
3-4mg/day |
| 7-9 years |
4-5mg/day |
| 10+ years |
4-7mg/day |
| Pregnancy and lactation may increase the need by one-third. |
What this vitamin does:
Acts as co-enzyme in energy metabolism of carbohydrates,
protein and fat.
Available as:
Tablets: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid. Don't chew
or crush. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations.
Pantothenic acid is also sold as dexpanthenol (panthoderm), a
lotion or cream applied to burns, cuts or abrasions. It relieves
itching and soothes the wound.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Are allergic to pantothenic acid.
Are taking levodopa for Parkinson's disease.
Consult your doctor if you have:
Hemophilia.
Over age 55:
No problems expected.
Pregnancy:
Don't exceed recommended dose.
Breast-feeding:
Don't exceed recommended dose.
Effect on lab tests:
None expected.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't
freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture
may change action of vitamin.
Others:
Avoid megadoses.
Don't exceed recommended doses if you take pantothenic acid
without medical supervision.
OVERDOSE/TOXICITY
Signs and symptoms:
Diarrhea and water retention with ingestion of
megadoses--over 10 to 20 grams/day (10,000mg-20,000mg). This
dose is not life-threatening.
What to do:
For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue vitamin, and consult
doctor.
For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire
bottle): Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or your nearest
Poison Control Center.
ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
| Reaction or effect |
What to do |
| None expected with normal intake |
Call doctor if you suspect |
| |
new symptoms are caused by |
| |
taking pantothenic acid. |
INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS
| Interacts with |
Combined effect |
| Levodopa |
Small amounts of pantothenic |
| |
acid nullify levodopa's |
| |
effect. Carbidopa-levodopa |
| |
combination is not affected by |
| |
this interaction. |
INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
Tobacco decreases absorption. Smokers may require supplemental
vitamin B-5.
|
|
From Complete Guide to Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Putnam Publishing
Group. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
|
|
