Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic Acid or vitamin B5 is a water soluble vitamin that is essential for both animals as well as human for normal biological reactions like growth & reproduction and normal physiological functions like production of energy. This vitamin acts as an anti-oxidant precursor of coenzymes acyl carrier protein and CoA that helps in decomposition of fats, carbohydrates & proteins, formation of acetylcholine and absorption of fatty acids into cell membranes. It is also involved in synthesis of neurotransmitters, lipids, steroid hormones, haemoglobin, porphyrins, cholesterol and vitamins A & D. Besides this, it also helps in production of several other enzymes and helps in appropriate functioning of central nervous system.
FORMS OF PANTOTHENIC ACID :Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B5 and Panthenol. Panthenol is frequently used as an important ingredient in cosmetics and numerous skin ointments for sunburns, etc owing to its moisturising properties and ability to relieve from inflammation & itching.
BENEFITS OF PANTOTHENIC ACID:
-It helps in improving one’s energy level, stamina and uplifts mood. On daily intake on Pantothenic acid in dosages of around 100 to 230 mg, one may sense an enhancement in concentration, focus alertness and visual clarity. It thus enhances performance of any individual, especially that of an athlete. It further reduces signs of aging e.g. grey hair.
-It helps in metabolism of cholesterol and other undesirable fats, thus is effective in weight loss in case of obese people.
-It has moisturising as well as wound healing properties; hence it can be used for treatment of various allergies and infections like acne, conjunctivitis, yeast infections, asthma, tongue infections, dandruff, etc. It can also be used to treat mild eczemas, insect stings, insect bites and skin rashes.
-It is helpful for proper functioning of nervous system and can be used to treat autism, attention deficit- hyperactivity disorder, alcoholism, diabetic nerve pain, depression, insomnia, irritability & headache owing to its relaxing effect. It also gives relief from mental stress, anxiety and dizziness.
-It is effective in treatment of numerous heart diseases like respiratory disorders, hyperactivity, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, chronic fatigue, etc.
Immunity
-It enhances immunity of the person and reduces his or her susceptibility to cold & other infections.
-It is also used for treating osteoarthritis, muscular dystrophy and muscular cramps associated with obesity or pregnancy or menstruation. Testicular torsion & diabetic ulceration are other health conditions that can be improved with intake of Pantothenic acid.
SOURCES OF PANTOTHENIC ACID: Pantothenic acid can be obtained by consumption of foodstuffs like fresh vegetables like cauliflower & broccoli, egg yolk, meat of poultry and lobsters, yogurt, sweet potato, soy beans, split peas and avocado. Besides foodstuffs, one may intake this vitamin as supplements of calcium d-pantothenate or panthenol.
Recommended Daily Dosage of Pantothenic Acid: Intake of too much of this vitamin may lead to one becoming over stimulated & easily aggravated, thus getting tired and experiencing insomnia as well. One may also suffer from diarrhea on excess consumption i.e. beyond (250 mg) of this vitamin. Hence, the estimated safe daily intake of vitamin B5 are:
-10.7 to 20 mg for infants aged between 0 and 3 years
-20 to 30 mg for children aged between 3 and 8 years
-300 to 400 mg for children aged between 8 and 11 years
-400 to 500 mg for teenagers aged between 11 years and 14 years
-500 to 700 mg for male and female above 14 years of age.
Pantothenic Acid is an essential component and its deficiency results in retarded growth, frequent infection, neurological disorders & cardiac instability and often results in other functional impairments which may be fatal. Hence, intake of Pantothenic acid within recommended dosage is always advisable.
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