Vitamin B5

Among the B vitamins, which are necessary for the body to maintain metabolism and vitality of all its cells, an important place is occupied by pantothenic acid or vitamin B5.

Functions of vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 is a biologically active compound of the amino acid β-alanine and pantoeic (2,4-dihydroxy-3,3-dimethyl butyric) acid and, in turn, it is a non-protein component of coenzyme A (CoA) and fatty acid synthase acyl (phosphopantetheine) transfer protein (FASN), which participate in many enzymatic processes of primary and secondary intracellular metabolism. Thus, coenzyme A ensures the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, participates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (during which energy is produced in the form of ATP - adenosine triphosphate) and in the synthesis of fatty acids, which are essential for lipid cell membranes. Thus pantothenic acid is also involved in metabolism.

What does the body need this vitamin for? Pantothenic acid is involved in a wide range of important biological functions, in particular: regulation of phosphorus and calcium metabolism, synthesis of cholesterol and vitamin D, production of acetylcholine, a mediator of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Also the role of vitamin B5 is in the formation and maturation of blood red blood cells; synthesis of various amino acids, hemoglobin, adrenal cortex hormones (hydrocortisone) and sex hormones.

In addition, this vitamin:

• protects cells from peroxidative damage (oxidative stress) by increasing the level of the antioxidant compound glutathione;
• promotes detoxification of liver cells;
• Helps support digestive health and the absorption of other B vitamins;
• accelerates the healing process of skin lesions and disappearance of acne (acne).

What does a woman's body need vitamin B5 for? Of course, to improve the condition of the skin and hair. Thus, vitamin B5 for the face improves the barrier function of the skin, helps moisturize and increase skin elasticity, reduces signs of aging, flaking, irritation and excessive sebum production.

And vitamin B5 for hair can reduce hair loss and dandruff, strengthen hair follicles and repair hair shafts that are often damaged by hair dryers, frequent washing and sun exposure. Products containing this vitamin can help stimulate hair growth, restore hair shine, reduce breakage and improve texture.

In addition to improving the condition of skin and hair, pantothenic acid helps maintain optimal function of the adrenal glands, whose cortex produces the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone, a precursor to female sex hormones (estrogen). When the function of the adrenal cortex is impaired, women experience hormonal disturbances that can lead to estrogen dominance with the threat of breast and ovarian neoplasms.

Daily requirement of vitamin B5 and its deficiency

For children of the first year of life, the daily norm of vitamin B5 is no more than 1.7-1.8 mg; for children from one to three years - 2 mg; children 4-8 years - 3 mg, children 9-13 years - 4 mg.

The need for pantothenic acid in adolescents after 14 years of age and adults is determined by experts at the level of 5-6 mg per day.

Vitamin B5 deficiency is extremely rare, as pantothenic acid is supplied by food and is also produced by normal microflora in the lumen of the large intestine (non-brushnontyphoid bacterium Salmonella typhimurium, fermenting Corynebacterium glutamicum, etc.).

So a healthy and varied diet should fully meet the human need. What foods contain this acid? About 85% of dietary pantothenic acid is in the form of CoA or phosphopantetheine. Sources of vitamin B5 include: meat and offal (liver and kidneys), chicken and turkey, salmon, whole grains (especially oats and brown rice), egg yolk, milk and dairy products, legumes, vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes), mushrooms, avocados, nuts and seeds, and brewer's yeast.

Keep in mind that pantothenic acid is unstable when heated, and some of the vitamin may be destroyed during cooking.

Pantothenic acid deficiency in the body or vitamin B5 hypovitaminosis occurs with prolonged starvation, eating disorders (anorexia) and in the presence of the very rare Gallervorden-Spatz disease associated with a mutation in the gene encoding the enzyme pantothenkinase (which provides vitamin B5 metabolism).

Symptoms of deficiency of this vitamin may manifest as fatigue, irritability and restlessness; sleep disturbances and headaches; nausea and vomiting; muscle spasms and peripheral neuropathy (numbness or burning of the extremities).

Indications Vitamin B5

Take vitamin B5 in the form of calcium pantothenate - calcium salt of pantothenic acid. Among the indications for its use are noted:

• inadequate and/or deficient nutrition, anemia and general weakening of the body;
• metabolic disorders and metabolic syndrome;
• neurological diseases;
• neurodegenerative diseases;
• Autoimmune diseases (particularly rheumatoid arthritis);
• circulatory pathologies;
• functional disorders of the GI tract (constipation, colitis, Crohn's disease);
• Hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia;
• Chronic renal failure leading to hyperphosphatemia;
• Hypocalcemia in parathyroid gland dysfunction or metabolic alkalosis;
• Bone inflammation (ostitis) and bone dysplasia;
• burns and trophic ulcers;
• systemic connective tissue lesions.

Vitamin B5 is widely used in dermatology, where the alcoholic form of pantothenic acid - dexpanthenol (dextropanthenyl alcohol) is used in the treatment of acne, dermatitis, eczema, etc.

The edge of that, the application for children includes:

• exposure to acute infections, the presence of chronic diseases of various kinds;
• impaired intestinal absorption of nutrients - malabsorption syndrome;
• Spasmophilia and epileptic seizures;
• Hemorrhagic syndrome in thrombocytopenia in children;
• Atopic, allergic and diaper dermatitis.

Release form

Most often pantothenic acid in the form of calcium pantothenate, the calcium salt of the water-soluble vitamin, is available in dietary supplements (dietary supplements), it is vitamin B5 in capsules containing only pantothenic acid or a complex of vitamins B3, B5, B6 combined with other vitamins and minerals - in multivitamin remedies (multivitamins). See:

• Additive
• Pharmaton
• Univit

Vitamin B5 in ampoules: solutions for injection, Dexpanthenol for cosmetic use.

Creams with vitamin B5 in the form of dexpanthenol:

• D-Panthenol
• Bepanthen
• Panthenol Spray (for burns)

Pharmacodynamics

When taken orally, water-soluble pantothenic acid in the form of calcium salt - calcium D-pantothenate - is absorbed into the systemic bloodstream by transmembrane active transport. Pantothenic acid is transported to tissues with the blood stream, where its molecules are incorporated into erythrocytes or bound to plasma proteins.

The mechanism of therapeutic effect, that is, the pharmacodynamics of vitamin B5, is due to compensation for the lack of its intake into the body and functions in metabolic processes listed above.

Topical application of dexpanthenol is based on its good penetration through the skin and high local concentration. Vitamin B5 improves hydration of the stratum corneum, reduces transepidermal water loss, activates fibroblast proliferation and accelerates re-epithelization, which plays a crucial role in the healing of skin injuries.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of dexpanthenol in humans is unknown, but pantothenic acid is excreted orally by the kidneys (with urine) and partially through the intestine.

Dosing and administration

Vitamin B5 is taken one capsule a day - after meals.

Vitamin B5 injections (w/v or v/m) may be prescribed by a doctor (in a dosage determined by him/her) to maintain general health, as well as to improve bowel function after gastric surgery.

Vitamin B5 cream is applied to the affected area of the skin twice a day

Use Vitamin B5 during pregnancy

The use of pantothenic acid in pregnancy and during breastfeeding has not been studied. According to FD, Dexpanthenol in pregnancy is a category C risk drug, i.e. May be potentially unsafe for the fetus.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components of the vitamin remedy, as well as the presence of intestinal obstruction and hemophilia are contraindications to the use of vitamin B5.

Side effects Vitamin B5

In some cases, side effects associated with the systemic use of pantothenic acid such as hypersensitivity reactions, headache and dizziness, muscle and joint pain, constipation, general weakness may be noted.

Topical application of dexpanthenol preparations is generally well tolerated with minimal risk of skin irritation or sensitization.

Overdose

In cases of high doses of pantothenic acid supplementation (10 g per day), diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, dehydration, soft tissue swelling, and joint pain develop.

Interactions with other drugs

Therapeutic efficacy of pantothenic acid may decrease when used in combination with indirect coagulants - coumarin derivatives and direct anticoagulants (Apibaxan), plasminogen activators (Alteplase), antithrombins and fibrinolytics (Anistreplase, Ancrod, etc.).

Storage conditions

Vitamin B5 preparations are stored at 20-25° C and away from sources of light, heat and moisture.

Shelf life

The expiration date is indicated on the package.