The Vitamin B group is known to play very important roles in the occurrences of various vital body functions including energy metabolism and somatic and sex cell production. While most individuals are very familiar with the composites of Vitamin B complex which includes Vitamin B6 and B12, surveys show that not a lot of people are aware of the existence of the essential Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid. Like all other Vitamin B nutrients, Pantothenic acid is important for maintenance of bodily processes. A deficiency of the vitamin can result to significant changes in the body which can result to development of illnesses and which poses risk to the individual health. Increasing Pantothenic acid supply in the body through dietary supplementation can be very helpful in the enhancement of overall health and wellness.
What is Pantothenic acid?
Commonly referred to as Vitamin B5, Pantothenic acid is a nutrient derived naturally from several food groups including broccoli, eggs, milk and legumes. Some studies also show that almost all food contains a given amount of Pantothenic acid, although the quantity varies. The most important role of Pantothenic acid in the human body is the maintenance of the nervous system function. The vitamin serves as one of the baseline compounds for the production of neurotransmitters and the maintenance of health of brain cells. Without adequate Pantothenic acid supply, it was observed that adult individuals are at higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia at an early age. Pantothenic acid also improves transmission of nerve impulses from the site of perception to the area of interpretation in the brain.
Health benefits of using Pantothenic acid
Although the vitamin can be taken from food sources, supplementation is highly advisable to ensure sufficiency of Pantothenic acid levels in the body. The following are some of the health benefits of using Pantothenic acid:
- It may improve immunity
In general, vitamins and minerals function by improving overall immune system responses. The exact pharmacodynamic explanation as to how Pantothenic acid improves immunity is not yet fully known but it can be proven with various quantitative researches. Pantothenic acid is also known to boost the effect of specific vitamins including Vitamin B12 or Riboflavin.
- It improves hormonal production
Hormones are necessary to boost or slow down certain processes in the human body. Without sufficient hormones, the body will deteriorate rapidly, leading to immediate death of cells. Studies show that Pantothenic acid supplementation may also improve hormonal production, specially sex hormones and stress-associated hormones which are produced by the adrenal glands.
- It may improve mood
Pantothenic acid also improves neurotransmitter production in the brain, which eventually results to improvement of mood. Thus, the nutrient can help prevent depression and reduce anxiety associated by fluctuations in neurotransmitter production.
Conclusion
Pantothenic acid is a safe and effective health supplement component for individuals of all ages. There are no side effects associated with regular use of the nutrient.