Vitamin B5 also known as pantothenic acid is extremely essential for a healthy body. It is one of those essential vitamins which synthesize carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Vitamin B5 is a water soluble vitamin. They are usually used by the body to synthesize various body components.
Importance of Vitamin B5 to the body
Vitamin B5 is an important constituent of the coenzyme A. This coenzyme is used in the production of fatty acids and cholesterol besides playing an important role in the process of cellular respiration. Pregnant women are usually advised by the physician to involve a moderate dose of
Vitamin B5 (about seven milligrams per day) in their daily diet as it is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Role of vitamin B5 in hair care and in the treatment of acne
Vitamin B5 is needed to maintain the texture as well as the color of hair. Addition of
vitamin B5 to the shampoo that one uses increases the shine of the hair besides making it strong. Many shampoo manufacturers do include pantothenic acid to their hair care products.
Sources
Vitamin B5 can be found in almost any food item. It is perhaps for this reason that the word pantothenic acid derives its meaning from the Greek word “pantothen” translates into “from everywhere”. Legumes, eggs, whole grain cereals, meat, rice, wheat, rice bran, coldwater fish, condensed fish, alfalfa, yeasts and molasses are some common sources of this vitamin. Besides, these natural sources, there are a wide range of products which contain this valuable
vitamin in the purest and concentrated form.
Deficiency
Abdominal pain, fatigue, recurrence of headaches and fatigue, nausea and allergies are common signs of
vitamin B5 deficiency.
