Vitamin B5
Benefits of Vitamin B5
- Energy-yielding metabolism
- Mental performance
- Steroid hormone synthesis
- Reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- Form: Pantothenic Acid (Calcium Salt)
- Food source: Wholegrain foods and almost all vegetables, especially mushrooms and avocados.
What is Vitamin B5?
B Vitamins are really important. We need B Vitamins to convert the food we eat into energy that our bodies can use. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is needed to make coenzyme A, a molecule involved in many reactions in the body, including the way we metabolise other nutrients.
What does Vitamin B5 do?
Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It contributes to normal mental performance. It also contributes to normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters. One of these steroid hormones is cortisol, often called our stress hormone, which is made in your adrenal glands.
Vitamin B5 also has a place in skincare: its close relative, panthenol, is a common moisturising ingredient. A placebo-controlled study looked at a pantothenic acid-based supplement and facial skin.
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Why it's in Stay Calm®
Vitamin B5 is an essential nutrient for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA), involved in metabolic pathways, including the production of hormones, neurotransmitters, and red blood cells. Vitamin B5 also supports the adrenal glands, which produce cortisol, the main stress hormone, making it a key nutrient in stress management.
Adrenal Health and Cortisol Production: Vitamin B5 is integral to the function of the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing cortisol. Adequate B5 levels support the body’s ability to produce and regulate cortisol effectively. During chronic stress, the adrenal glands are often overworked and require additional Vitamin B5 to help them respond to stress.
Energy production and stress resilience: Stress can deplete energy reserves and increase fatigue. Additional Vitamin B5 helps maintain energy production, reducing feelings of exhaustion often linked to prolonged stress.
Neurotransmitter synthesis: Vitamin B5 is essential for synthesising acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in cognitive function, mood regulation, and muscle function. Acetylcholine may help to stabilise mood in those with chronic stress and improve focus and clarity.
Why it's in Daily Multivitamin and Women's ProMulti
Pantothenic acid is a component of coenzyme A (CoA), which is involved in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, as well as the Krebs cycle. CoA is also essential for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for nerve signalling and muscle contraction. Pantothenic acid supports the synthesis of steroid hormones in the adrenal glands, which can help balance stress-related hormones like cortisol. As a cofactor for CoA, B5 helps convert fats and carbohydrates into energy, providing sustained energy throughout the day.
Why it's in Brain Fuel®
Pantothenic acid, also known as Vitamin B5, is essential for energy production and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Vitamins are crucial in maintaining healthy neuronal membranes and have been shown to improve cognitive function in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases.1 A meta-analysis of clinical trials on Vitamin B5 and brain health found that the nutrient had a positive effect on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease.2 Another meta-analysis found that Vitamin B5 supplementation improved cognitive function in healthy older adults.3 Several clinical trials have investigated the effects of Vitamin B5 on brain function and cognition. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that Vitamin B5 supplementation improved cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment.2
Why it's in UltraEnergy
Pantothenic acid is a precursor to coenzyme A, crucial in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. CoA is required for the formation of acetyl-CoA, which serves as a key metabolic intermediate linking macronutrient breakdown to ATP production. Additionally, pantothenic acid supports adrenal gland function by facilitating the biosynthesis of steroid hormones such as cortisol, which are critical for the physiological stress response. Through these mechanisms, pantothenic acid contributes to cellular energy production and stress resilience. It also plays a role in adrenal function and the synthesis of steroid hormones, contributing to stress resilience.4
Why it's in Men's ProMulti
Vitamin B5 is a precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), a vital coenzyme in numerous biochemical reactions. CoA is essential for fatty acid synthesis, as well as degradation and the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. Vitamin B5 is involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal glands.5
Why it's in PMS Hero®
Folate, Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B6 play significant roles in managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms through their contributions to hormonal balance and neurotransmitter synthesis. These B Vitamins support mood regulation, reduce fatigue and improve common symptoms such as irritability, bloating and cramping.
Vitamin B5 is needed for the synthesis of coenzyme A, which is involved in the metabolic pathways of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. This is vital for maintaining energy levels during the menstrual cycle when fatigue often occurs. B5 supports adrenal function, aiding in the synthesis of steroid hormones such as cortisol. This is particularly important for managing stress levels and hormonal fluctuations during PMS.