Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Pantothenic Acid, as d-Calcium Pantothenate, is a water-soluble member of the B-Vitamin Complex, essential to all life and is found in all living cells. It not only helps your body convert food to energy, but also helps in the production of red blood cells and hormones.

Pantothenic Acid is essential for the synthesis of cholesterol, and has even been shown to improve the lipid profile in the liver. It helps the body use fat more efficiently and puts the brakes on cholesterol synthesis.

Specifically, a Pantothenic Acid derivative was the most effective in a study for reduction of free cholesterol. 300 mg taken three times a day raised "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels while lowering "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.^[1]

It is considered a "stress vitamin" because it is thought to support the body’s ability to handle stressors, both emotional and physical.^[2] Alcohol literally stresses the body by triggering the release of stress hormones.^[3]

Ingredient Research
1. Naruta, E., Buko, V. (2001). Hypolipidemic effect of pantothenic acid derivatives in mice with hypothalamic obesity
    induced by aurothioglucose. Experimental and Toxologic Pathology. 53: 393-398.
2. Rokitzki L, Sagredos A, Reuss F, et al. Pantothenic acid levels in blood of athletes at rest and after aerobic exercise.
    Z Ernahrungswiss 1993;32(4):282-288 1993.
3. Tsigos, C., & Chrousos, G.P. The neuroendocrinology of the stress response. In: Hunt, W., & Zakhari, S., eds.
    Stress, Gender, and Alcohol-Seeking Behavior. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Research
    Monograph No. 29. Bethesda, MD: the Institute, 1995.

Additional Resources
1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-vitaminb5.html
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantothenic_acid