Health Benefits Of Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic Acid Benefits

Pantothenic acid is a vitamin not many people are familiar with, yet despite this it is still essential for life.

In this article we will have a look at some of the health benefits associated with pantothenic acid.

What Does Pantothenic Acid Do?

Pantothenic acid (B5) is a member of the vitamin B complex, and is needed for healthly growth and metabolism, supplying the body with energy, producing anti-stress hormones and boosting your body’s defenses against infection.

Pantothenic acid is not stored in the body, it is however found in every single cell.

As a result it takes around 12 weeks for tissue levels to fall below the required amount. This is something which most commonly occurs with people who eat lots of processed foods.

How Much Pantothenic Acid Do You Need?

The RDA for pantothenic acid is 6mg.

What Causes Pantothenic Acid Deficiency?

Since pantothenic acid leaches out of vegetables into cooking water, unless you use that water for a soup or sauce, you will lose it.

Levels of pantothenic acid can also be reduced when meat is overcooked, or if you have wine or vinegar with your food.

Where Do You Get Pantothenic Acid?

Pantothenic acid can be found in lots of foods, although it is present in large quantities in offal, meat, oily fish, nuts, seeds and dried fruits.

Who Needs Extra Pantothenic Acid?

Supplementing with extra pantothenic acid may be beneficial for those who are under stress or suffering from anxiety, as it helps to stimulate the body’s production of anti stress hormones.

Those who eat lots of processed foods and refined carbohydrates or lead a physically active life may also require extra.