Pantothenic Acid: Vitamin B5

Pantothenic acid, also known as Vitamin B5, is the main ingredient in Liquid Health’s new acne fighting formula, Clear Skin B5. Interest in finding pantothenic acid sources has been increasing recently. Pantothenic acid is one of the popular, water soluble B vitamins. Because it is water soluble, our bodies don’t store excess pantothenic acid when we take it; instead any amount that isn’t used gets flushed out of our system.

The B Vitamins are necessary for many important functions in our body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center “B complex vitamins are needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the nervous system function properly.” B complex vitamins are well known for their ability to naturally help your body produce energy as well as deal with stress.

Specifically, pantothenic acid is necessary for the process of synthesizing and metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Furthermore, vitamin B5 helps to produce red blood cells in addition to a number of hormones produced in the adrenal glands. In regards to acne, pantothenic acid helps to reduce the amount of oil our skin produces, thereby helping to limit acne breakouts before they form.

Daily recommend intake amounts of pantothenic acid vary by age, but are as follows:
Infants 0–6 months 1.7 mg
Infants 7–12 months 1.8 mg
Children 1–3 years 2 mg
Children 4–8 years 3 mg
Children 9–13 years 4 mg
Adult men and women 14+ years 5 mg
Pregnant women 6 mg
Breastfeeding women 7 mg

Pantothenic acid can be found in a wide variety of foods. Common pantothenic acid sources include: avocado, broccoli, kale, and other vegetables in the cabbage family, eggs, legumes and lentils, milk, mushrooms, poultry, white and sweet potatoes, and whole-grain cereals. In addition to dietary sources, pantothenic acid is widely available in supplement form. Generally you can find it as part of a B-complex supplement or on its own.

While it’s very rare for someone to be deficient in vitamin B5, there are benefits to taking extra pantothenic acid. Whatever your reason for wanting to get more vitamin B5, there are lots of pantothenic acid sources available, whether they be dietary or in supplement form. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about adding a new supplement to your daily routine.