Dosage
1 capsule daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Up to 500mg of pantothenic acid per day has been used for adrenal support and in allergic conditions.
Potential applications
Stress / adrenal support, fatigue, depression, weight control, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), sports performance (ATP production), nervous disorders.
Interestingly, vitamin C is needed for carnitine synthesis, an amino acid that transports fatty acids into the mitochondria of muscle tissue. Reduced carnitine status appears to be responsible for the marked fatigue and lassitude shown in vitamin C deficiency and early scurvy.
Known contraindications
B5 has no known toxic side-effects and so can be used in relatively large amounts.
Vitamin B5 upper safe level: 1000mg (long and short term - excessively large doses of around 10,000mg have been known to cause diarrhoea and gastrointestinal disturbances).
Interactions
Pantothenic acid works together with carnitine and Co Q10 in fatty-acid transport and utilisation.
Non-heme (vegetarian) iron absorption from a single meal is enhanced 2-3 fold in the presence of 25mg-75mg vitamin C. Vitamin C potentiates vitamin E activity in cells by regenerating alpha-tocopherol from its oxidised derivative.
Useful links
Stress – Rhodiola, flax seed oil, Avena Sativa, Vervain, Licorice
Aerobic exercise and stress management.