Pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5 is also termed as the anti-stress vitamin because it plays an important role in production of red blood cells, and sex and stress-related hormones. It is a water-soluble vitamin which doesn’t store for a longer time because it is easily absorbed by the body and is secreted through urine. So, daily consumption of vitamin B5 is needed in order to come out of the deficiencies.
The main function of vitamin B5 is to produce energy by breaking down carbohydrates, proteins and fats present in the body and thus enhances the healthy digestive tract. It produces adrenal hormones in adrenal glands. It also plays an important role in proper functioning of nerves and muscles by producing neurotransmitters and the required cholesterol. It is available in almost wide variety of foods because vitamin B5 is called as “universal element”. If you do not have enough amount of vitamin B5 in your body, you are subjected to the deficiency.
People deficient in vitamin B5 will have the following symptoms:
Fatigue, experience frequent respiratory infections due to decrease in red blood cells production, recurring episodes of illness because there is a decreased level of antibodies in body, muscle weakness, personality changes, psoriasis, headache, edema, swelling, pain, stiffness in joints, nausea, tingling in the hands, depression, personality changes,cardiac instability, abdominal pains, sleep disturbances, neurological disorders including numbness, parenthesis (abnormal sensation such as “burning feet” syndrome), increased insulin sensitivity, lowered blood cholesterol, acne or blemished skin, slower metabolism, lack of energy, loss of weight and cramps etc.
The people who eat unhealthy foods such as highly refined and processed foods are more likely to deficient in vitamin B5.
