This isn’t an easy topic to write about nor is it an easy topic to find information about since it’s quite complex.
Why Do We Need Vitamin B5?
These include: converting food into glucose
synthesizing cholesterol
forming sex and stress-related hormones
forming red blood cells As with all B vitamins, pantothenic acid helps the body break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins so that our bodies can use them for energy and rebuilding tissues, muscles, and organs. Coenzyme A Vitamin B5 has a role in synthesizing coenzyme A. Coenzyme A is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and is important for converting foods into fatty acids and cholesterol. The liver needs Coenzyme A to metabolize some drugs and toxins safely.
One study showed that vitamin B5 helped facial acne and reduced the number of acne-related facial blemishes when taken as a dietary supplement. The authors call for more trials to confirm the results. This course of management should only be pursued under medical supervision.
However, more evidence is needed to confirm these results.
Deficiency
Clinical trials have shown, however, that a deficiency may lead to: tiredness
apathy
depression
irritability
sleep disorders
stomach pains
nausea
vomiting
numbness
muscle cramps
hypoglycemia
burning feet
upper respiratory infections A deficiency of B5 can cause an increased sensitivity to insulin. However, according to Oregon State University, “In humans, there is no evidence that taking pantothenic acid as supplements or using shampoos containing pantothenic acid can prevent or restore hair color.” Jane Higdon, Ph.D., Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University When the level of B5 intake is restored to normal, many of these symptoms are reversed.
Whole grains are a good source of vitamin B5 but milling can remove up to 75 percent of the B5 content. Vegetables: Mushrooms, avocado, broccoli, sweet potatoes, corn, cauliflower, kale, and tomatoes. To ensure an adequate intake, foods should be eaten fresh rather than refined.
As with all water-soluble vitamins, vitamin B5 is lost when food is boiled. Scientists have found that bacteria in the lining of the colon might generate pantothenic acid, but this has not yet been proved.
Accutane
Now new research suggests that certain vitamins, taken internally as well as applied topically, offer an effective alternative approach to treating acne—without the side effects.
Let’s start with a close-up on the biggest bully on the block first: Accutane. Accutane
Accutane is a vitamin A derivative (13-cis-retinoic acid) that is administered orally in pill form, normally for 15-20 weeks. It was originally recommended for people with severe acne who may be unresponsive to other acne treatments.
More recently, it’s gained in popularity and is often prescribed for less severe acne. Accutane works by shrinking sebaceous glands, which reduces oil secretion and P. Acnes colonization—and thus inflammation. Most often these side effects are mild to moderate and reversible, but in some cases, they can be severe or long-term.
The most common side effect is chronic dryness which can lead to further skin issues such as microbial imbalance, infection, and even recurrent breakouts.
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The red bar represents the number of acne lesions at baseline and week 12 in the patients taking a placebo, which means participants THINK they are taking an active medication, but they are not. This is called the placebo effect, and it demonstrates that our mind is incredibly powerful – when we think we are taking a remedy we will experience healing.
Acne that was more inflamed, red and cystic did not see the same improvement as milder acne.