Vitamin B5 Case

General Information of Vitamin B5

Definition

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is a water soluble vitamin and is one of the essential nutrients in to body. It is also known as the important coenzyme that carries out chemical reactions in the body. Chemical reactions can range from something as simple as breathing to something as complex as reproduction.

Functions

Vitamin B5 is used at numerous places by the body in the production of energy. The body utilizes Vitamin B5 to store fat and to convert fat into energy. This function also means that vitamin B5 has a vital role in the percentages of cholesterol types (LDL, HDL) found in the bloodstream. Like fat, Vitamin B5 is also used by the body in the conversion of carbohydrates and proteins into energy. By the production of fatty acids, normal physiological growth and function would happen.

It's also plays a major role in the production of certain hormones. The Coenzyme A found in Vitamin B5 is also essential to the production of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps in regulating the body's circadian rhythm.

There are some other hormones produced because of vitamin B5 as well. These hormones aid in metabolism, the immune system, skin maintenance and wound repair. For example, one of the major problems with diabetes is foot ulceration which leads to surgery if the wounds cannot heal. Vitamin B5 helps prevent these wounds before they get complex.

Another important function of Vitamin B5 is to produce antibodies. Antibodies fight against diseases or viruses and mainly increase your immune power. For example: vitamin B5 is useful for reducing or preventing arthritis.

Under and Over Consumption Effects

Some long-term effects of overconsumption can be several symptoms like, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems and water retention. Some short-term effects of over consumption can be fatigue, headaches, nausea, tingling in the hands, depression, personality changes and cardiac instability have been reported.

If there is under-consumption of Vitamin B5, it can be more of a problem. It is