Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic Acid Benefits
Effective for Treating Inflammation
One study provided evidence of controlling allergies in children when treated with pantothenic acid. The study revealed that the use of a nasal spray comprising of pantothenic acid significantly reduced the symptoms of allergy rhinitis and nasal congestion.[r229]
Counters Bad Cholesterol
Our bodies require pantothenic acid to metabolize cholesterol, but it can also do wonders on lowering the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood. According to one Canadian-led study, published in the journal Vascular Health and Risk Management, people with high levels of LDL cholesterol were given 300mg of pantothenic acid(vitamin B5) daily for 16 weeks.[r236] The result was that their LDL cholesterol levels(bad cholesterol) dropped significantly!
Supports Healthy Hair
Pantothenic acid is also deemed as an important ingredient in various hair and skin products. According to a study, pantothenic acid aka vitamin B5 is significantly effective in reducing thinning of the hair.[r231] Owing to this benefit of vitamin B5, a chemical derivative of pantothenic acid - dexpanthenol – is used in making hair products that claim to add volume to your hair.
Boosts Skin Health
Pantothenic acid is known to have healing properties for the skin. It is one of the main components of topical creams and ointments that help carry out an anti-inflammatory action in the skin, which in turn helps relieve the skin from erythema or redness.[r235] It is found that the use of vitamin B5 in the form of dexpanthenol is quite effective as it has high rate of skin penetration when mixed with oil or water. Also, pantothenic acid is ascertained to have regeneration properties for the skin; thus, healing it quickly and more effectively. This regenerative property of pantothenic acid makes it extremely beneficial for our skin.
Pantothenic acid is also claimed to have properties of a natural hydrator for your skin.[r232] It comprises of humectant that helps in balancing the amount of water in your skin. Utilizing moisturizing creams or lotions that have d-panthenol or dexpanthenol is highly recommended for treating dry skin. These components are known to stabilize the skin’s ability to hold water and thus result in a more hydrated and moisturized skin.
Effective in Treating Dry Eyes
Medications inducing artificial tears are known to contain pantothenic acid. This vitamin, in the form of dexpanthenol, helps treat the pain and discomfort in the eye. A research trial comprising of about 50 patients with dry eye showed positive effects of vitamin B5.[r233]
Moreover, these drops containing dexpanthenol also showed significant effective results in relieving pain and discomfort in people who had eye surgery. About 40 patients observed in a study reported better wound healing after their surgery when they used the eye drops containing vitamin B5.[r234]
Daily Intake For Pantothenic Acid
Healthy Foods High In Pantothenic Acid
- All food nutrient profiles are based on a weight of 100 grams.
- * RDI values are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day (Female, Age 19-30).
- All foods are vegetarian.
Sources
- r236. Pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B5, favorably alters total, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in low to moderate cardiovascular risk subjects eligible for statin therapy: a triple-blinded placebo and diet-controlled investigation.
- r235. Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders
- r234. Clinical evaluation of provitamin B5 drops and gel for postoperative treatment of corneal and conjuctival injuries
- r233. Clinical study of the effectiveness of a dexpanthenol containing artificial tears solution (Siccaprotect) in treatment of dry eyes
- r232. Dexpanthenol enhances skin barrier repair and reduces inflammation after sodium lauryl sulphate-induced irritation
- r231. A novel cosmetic approach to treat thinning hair
- r230. Pantothenic Acid
- r229. Efficacy and safety of a medical device in reducing nasal obstruction in allergic children.