Doctors call this anti-stress vitamin a beneficial effect on the entire human body. Pantothenic acid in its pure form , instructions for use, the reviews of which are presented in the article, was isolated by the biochemist Roger Williams from the liver of mammals in 1933. Only ten years later, scientists found out its chemical formula and synthesized calcium pantothenate - a salt based on it. Water-soluble vitamin B5 is a vital nutritional supplement for any body, activating the breakdown of all macronutrients (fats, proteins and carbohydrates). It allows you to improve metabolism and increase energy levels in the body.
What is an anti-stress vitamin?
Free pantothenic acid (in ampoules), the instruction for use of which characterizes it as a water-soluble viscous substance of light yellow color with an oily consistency, is also easily diluted in acetic acid, but poorly in alcohol and does not break down at all in fatty substances. The calcium and sodium salts of pantothenic acid crystallize well and are white powder or vitamin B5 tablets. Powdered, this substance is odorless and bitter in taste. Under the influence of acids, alkalis and heat, the popular water-soluble vitamin is easily destroyed.
Pantothenic acid synthesis in nature
Under natural conditions, vitamin B5 is formed by green plants, as well as by individual microorganisms in the human intestine. The concentration of pantothenic acid in natural products is different, but its presence in almost any of them is mandatory. It is not for nothing that the Greek word pantos, contained in the name of the acid, means "everywhere" or "omnipresent" in the translation. Thermal processing of food products containing pantothenic acid (instructions for use is presented below) is not recommended, since during cooking, stewing, frying or smoking, vitamin B5 loses its properties and is destroyed. In addition, when vinegar, citric, malic acid is added to the dish, the concentration of anti-stress substance is also significantly reduced.
Pharmacological properties and dosage
Miraculous pantothenic acid, the instruction for use of which recommends its use to children from 2 to 5 g per day, and for adolescents from 11 years old and adults from 4 to 7 g, is an integral element of coenzyme A, stimulating metabolic processes in the body.
Its action extends from the synthesis of adrenal hormones (glucocorticosteroids), which prevent the occurrence of many diseases (arthritis and allergies, colitis and heart ailments), to neurotransmitters, from the formation of antibodies that help the absorption of many other vitamins, to regulate the metabolism of fatty acids, which normalizes lipid metabolism and favorably affects the redox processes in the human body.
Stimulating intestinal motility, pantothenic acid, the instruction for use of which recommends it for violations of the digestive tract, improves the functioning of the digestive tract, has a powerful reparative (healing) effect on the mucous membranes. Its hypolipidemic properties make it possible to reduce the concentration of harmful cholesterol in the vessels due to the splitting of its individual fractions and their removal from the body.
Pantothenic Acid Deficiency
Lack of the most important anti-stress vitamin leads to metabolic disturbances, long-term memory deterioration, exacerbation of nervous and skin diseases, decreased immunity, allergic reactions, and sleep disruptions. With a deficiency of vitamin B5, sensitivity to smells and tastes sharply decreases, distraction appears, in the presence of bad habits, the harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol on brain activity increase, the condition of the skin, nails and hair worsens. In addition, the healing of burns and wounds lasts longer. The possibility of the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis also significantly increases. Pantothenic acid deficiency in the body can cause vomiting and dizziness, increased fatigue and general weakness, loss of coordination and muscle cramps, dermatitis or eczema, autoimmune diseases, arthritis and arthrosis, and obesity.
Indications
Vitamin supplement calcium pantothenate, or pantothenic acid, in tablets (an instruction with a detailed description is in each package) is prescribed for headaches and sleep disturbances, numbness of the limbs and muscle ailments, during periods of emotional overstrain and heavy physical exertion, to relieve depressive and apathetic conditions, with alcohol abuse, with dysfunction of the liver and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract, with failures in metabolic processes, with weakened immunity, with bronchitis, for the prevention of diseases of the organ new digestion, in acne, as well as during pregnancy and breast-feeding a baby.
Contraindications and side effects
There are no contraindications, with the exception of an individual allergic reaction to vitamin B5, to the use of a safe dietary supplement. However, pantothenic acid, the side effects of which can occur in case of an overdose of the drug, requires strict adherence to medical recommendations.
Unpleasant symptoms are expressed in various dyspeptic symptoms (nausea, heartburn, or vomiting). Gastric lavage and a temporary restriction of vitamin intake are sufficient help to relieve discomfort. When taking this drug in combination with cardiac glycosides , the effect of the latter is enhanced, and the toxicity of anti-TB drugs and arsenic is significantly reduced.
Analogs and composition
Proper nutrition satisfies a person's daily requirement for vitamin B5, since most foods of plant and animal origin contain natural pantothenic acid. Instructions for use (analogues of anti-stress vitamin - “Pantothenic calcium” and “Calcipan”, “Kutivitol” and “Kalpanat”, “Pantolin” and “Pankal”, “Pantotaxin”, “Pantoten” and “Pentavitol”) recommend it in the form of tablets or capsules as a bioactive food supplement.
Pantothenic acid is manufactured by Solgar (USA) in the form of capsules with the active substance (500 mg) or a multivitamin complex based on natural components called “Solgar Multi Ay”.
From domestic manufacturers, Calcium Pantothenate is produced: Belgorodvitamins, Pharmstandart-Oktyabr, IC Russia Russia Oktyabr and Akrikhin HFK in 0.1 g tablets, packed in 50 pieces.
Foreign analogues of the drug called “Calcium D-pantothenate” are produced by DSM NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS Ltd. (Switzerland) and NOW Foods (USA). In addition to tablets and powder (capsules), this substance is sold in the form of ampoules with a 10- or 20% injection. Among the analogues of this drug are “Aminalon” and “Neuro-Norm”, “Vazavital” and “Noobut”, “Noofen” and “Noozam”, “Calcium Pangamat” and “Supradin”, “Vitrum Beauty” and other multivitamin complexes with a component B5 in the composition.
Reviews
The opinions of most people taking vitamin B5 according to their indications are positive. Someone praises the drug for a calming effect, because irritability has disappeared and sleep has improved. Athletes liked its recovery effect on muscles after exhausting workouts and injuries, as well as a surge of energy and help in concentration during the competition. In other patients suffering from acne, pantothenic acid in large doses contributed to the rapid cure of the disease. Patients visiting a dermatologist report a good therapeutic effect of vitamin B5. Pregnant women suffering from toxicosis note improvement after a week of regular intake of calcium pantothenate tablets.
But not only taking this drug inside has a beneficial effect on skin health, the appearance of hair and nails. Beauticians have found a similar effect with the external application of various creams, shampoos, gels, sprays and ointments (Bepanten, Panthenol and others). Positive reviews about these products stimulate many people to purchase and store them in every home medicine cabinet. The only drawback of intramuscular injections based on pantothenic acid, as noted by patients, is soreness at the injection sites and the possible appearance of infiltrates. Taking calcium pantothenate capsules or tablets may be a good alternative to an effective, but painful, invasive procedure.