Vitamin B5

Chemical Name: D-calcium, Pantothenate, Panthothenic Acid

Recommended Daily Allowance: (FDA)      3 mg for infants.

5-10 mg for children.

10 mg for adults, pregnant and lactating women.

Physiological Effects: Aids in fat formation.  Vital for body defense against infectious disorders and stress.  Increases longevity.  Held prevents arthritis.  Aids in utilization of certain vitamins.  Synthesizes acetylcholine, which occurs in all living cells.  Aids in the functioning of the adrenal hormones.  Important for healthy skin and nerves.  Plays a vital role in cellular metabolism.  Essential for the synthesis of cholesterol, steroids, and fatty acids.  Helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.  Prevents premature aging and wrinkles.  Aids in antibody formation.  Reduces toxicity of antibiotics.

Deficiency Disorders: Headaches, fatigue, vertigo, nausea, leg muscle cramps, gastric distress, constipation, vomiting, impaired motor coordination, tendency towards hypoglycemia, arthritis, susceptibility to infection due to failure to form antibodies, burning sensation of the hands and feet, irritability, duodenal ulcers, impairment of hydrochloric acid secretion, fatigue.

Natural Sources: Meats, egg yolks, Brewers yeast, whole grain cereals, wheat germ, nuts, chicken, molasses, green vegetables.

Synergistic Substances: B complex vitamins, biotin, folic acid, Vitamin C. and sulfur.

Antagonistic Substances: Cooking acids, alkali, low salt and protein diets, alcohol, processing, canning, freezing, sulfa drugs, sleeping pills, heat, caffeine.