| The most important function of pantothenic acid is as
an essential component in the production of coenzyme A, a
vital catalyst that is required for the conversion of
carbohydrates, fats, and protein into energy. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is also referred to as an anti-stress
vitamin due to its vital role in the formation of various
adrenal hormones, steroids, and cortisone, as well as
contributing to the production of important brain neuro-transmitters such as
acetylcholine.
Vitamin B-5
In addition to
helping to fight depression , vitamin B5
also supports the normal functioning of the
gastrointestinal tract and is required for the production
of cholesterol, bile, vitamin D, red blood cells, and
antibodies. Pantothenic acid also helps with prevention and treatment of anemia
as it helps with the formation of red blood cells in the human body. Pantothenic acid is also needed to make cholesterol, bile, some fats, red blood cells, hormones and nerve regulators. Pantothenic acid is necessary to make Vitamin D. It works closely with biotin, vitamin B1, B2, B6, and niacin.
Our bodies convert pantothenic acid to coenzyme A, which is used in a variety of biological processes involving the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, and the synthesis of hormones, bile, and hemoglobin. It is also needed for the production of sphingosine and acetylcholine, two very important substances involved in nerve transmission. Deficiencies:
Pantothenic acid deficiency has been induced in animals when fed natural feedstuffs containing low levels of pantothenic acid. Deficient animals had growth retardation with reduced food intake, functional impairments in all systems and sudden death. Pantothenic acid deficiency has also been induced in humans by use of a metabolic antagonist, w-methyl pantothenic acid along with a pantothenic acid-deficient diet. Signs and symptoms reported include depression, personality changes, cardiac instability, frequent infection, fatigue, abdominal pains, sleep disturbances and neurological disorders including numbness,
paresthesia, muscle weakness and cramps. Biochemical changes include increased insulin sensitivity,
and lowered blood cholesterol. |
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