Pantothenic acid, just like co-enzyme A, is closely involved in supporting the adrenal glands’ cortical stress reaction system. Thus it is also known as the anti-stress vitamin. It also ensures each cell in your body has a constant supply of energy by enhancing metabolism.

It helps ensure that each cell in your body has a steady supply of energy by helping to convert carbohydrates and fat in the food you eat into glucose your body can use. Pantothenic acid is also important for acetylcholine, fatty acid, cholesterol and phospholipids synthesis. It also helps ensure normal body growth and helps the body fight infection by producing antibodies. Lastly, it helps synthesise the stress hormone in the adrenal glands, which helps us to manage stress. It is also thought to prevent ageing and skin wrinkles.

The current adequate intake (AI) for pantothenic acid is 5mg per day for adults.

Click here to view a complete list of AI values for this vitamin.

Sesame seeds, peanuts, walnuts, pecan nuts, avocado pears, dried fruit such as apricots and figs, as well as calf’s liver.

Headaches, loss of appetite, anxiety, weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, poor muscle coordination, depression and grinding of the teeth at night.

A proper diet ought to contain enough pantothenic acid for the body to function, but drinking too much, excessive stress or recovery from surgery may all deplete the body of it. In this case, 25-50mg a day can be taken.

Taking enough pantothenic acid can help reduce fatigue and depression, as well as help the skin heal and reduce scarring.

Pantothenic acid helps stimulate the contraction of the bowels, which helps relieve constipation.

Taking enough pantothenic acid can help ward off infections of the ear, nose and throat.

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be reduced by taking a daily supplement of pantothenic acid, under the guidance of a doctor.