Pantothenic Acid Overdose

What is pantothenic acid? What is it used for? What are pantothenic acid overdose symptoms? Find answers to all these questions and more in this article…

Pantothenic acid is also referred to as vitamin B5. It is an antioxidant, water soluble B vitamin which plays a significant role in the oxidation (breaking down) of fat, carbohydrates and proteins (certain amino acids). Pantothenic acid is one of the important types of vitamin B which is essential to sustain life. It is a component of B complex vitamin supplements. Before discussing about pantothenic acid overdose symptoms, let us first take a look at benefits of pantothenic acid.

Benefits of Pantothenic Acid

• Pantothenic acid is used to treat respiratory disorders and heart problems.
• It helps prevent early aging and promotes physical growth.
• It helps lower the symptoms of diabetes, skin disorders, osteoarthritis, etc.
• It is used to treat asthma and allergies. It helps alleviate the symptoms of asthma and allergy.
• It works great for hair loss. It also offers smooth and glowing skin. Read more on pantothenic acid for acne.
• Vitamin B5 helps to strengthen your immune system. It thus lowers the chances of having various types of infections.
• It also helps lower the symptoms of psychological stress and anxiety. It triggers the production of steroids, neurotransmitter in brain.
• Pantothenic acid being an antioxidant vitamin, helps prevent various types of diseases and disorders. It ensures good health and it is required for proper functioning of each body part. It helps extract vital nutrients like fat, carbohydrates and proteins from the food ingested. You may read more on B complex vitamins and B complex benefits.

Pantothenic Acid Deficiency Burning foot syndrome is one of the significant symptoms of pantothenic acid deficiency. Such vitamin deficiency

usually exhibits symptoms like lack of feeling and intense pain in feet. Increased fatigue, insomnia and anemia can be experienced due to vitamin B5 deficiency. The deficiency may lead to vomiting, contraction of muscles and abnormal skin developments. Elderly people, pregnant women, people who follow wrong diet, athletes with increased nutritional requirements, people with chronic illnesses and people leading a stressful life may experience pantothenic acid deficiency.

Pantothenic Acid Supplements Consumption of vitamin B complex foods never results in vitamin B complex overdose. Mushrooms, corn, peanuts, broccoli, cabbage, legumes, salmon, collard green, eggs, beef (especially liver and kidney), fish, wheat germ

, brewer’s yeast, nuts, milk and cheese are some of the common sources of pantothenic acid. But if you take vitamin tablets or supplements, there are chances of having too much vitamin B complex in the body. Similarly, if you are taking pantothenic acid supplements, you are more likely to experience side effects of too much of pantothenic acid. Vitamin B complex injections are very common. Recommended daily dose of B vitamins should be taken into consideration while taking injections, pills, tablets or any other form of supplements.

D calcium pantothenate

is the commonly available form of pantothenic acid in supplements.

Pantothenic Acid Overdose Symptoms Very large intake of pantothenic acid (10 grams or more a day) may lead to water retention, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. It can affect body metabolism. There is no officially declared recommended daily allowance (RDA) of pantothenic acid as such. Adults may need 5 mg per day and pregnant and breastfeeding women may require 6-7 mg pantothenic acid per day. Infants may have 1.7-1.8 mg/day while kids may have 2-4 mg/day, depending upon age. Generally, this much pantothenic acid is present in any balanced or healthy diet

. Pantothenic acid overdose leading to toxicity is generally not noticed.

Pantothenic acid overdose symptoms may vary from person to person. Some people may experience an allergic reaction due to pantothenic acid overdose. They may experience skin rash or hives; breathing difficulty; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. People diagnosed with hemophilia should avoid taking pantothenic acid in large amounts. In case of bleeding, it may take more time to stop the bleeding.

Normally, use of pantothenic acid is considered safe for children as well as adults. It is generally taken with other B vitamins. You may read more on vitamin B complex dosage. Consumption of vitamin B5 can actually correct the deficiency of other vitamins like vitamin C, B6 and B12. It helps improve your health in several ways. Pantothenic acid overdose symptoms are very rarely noticed. One should consult a doctor for proper dose of pantothenic acid, to be on the safer side.