Vitamin B5: the Essential Nutrient

Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic acid, is an essential nutrient found in the muscles of humans and animals. It is commonly known as an anti-stress vitamin and is widely used by health care product consumers.
Vitamin B5 plays a crucial role during the body’s secretion of hormones, and also during the metabolism and synthesis of  key components such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is a compound found in nearly every food, albeit in small quantities. It is absorbed through the alimentary tract. While its name origin reflects its abundance, Pantothenic acid, the chemical name for the compound, is derived from the Greek word pantothen which means “from all sides”.  Its primary utility within the body is directly related to energy, and the compound is needed for key hormones such as Adrenalin. Vitamin B5 helps to create enzymes that enable the body to extract energy from fats and carbohydrates. (3) The compound also helps generate red blood cells and Vitamin D. This particular compound was chosen specifically because of its profusion, as well as the many interesting health benefits that it has. Perhaps its most popular capability is its anti-stress properties.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is part of the “B” group of vitamins. It is classified as a water soluble vitamin. This means that it is capable of being dissolved in water. (2)Chemically, it is actually the amide between D-pantoate and beta-alanine. (An amide is an organic compound.) (2) The molecular formula for the B5 compound is C9H17NO5.   Its IUPAC naming is 3-[(2R)-2,4-dihydroxy-3,3imethylbutanamido]propanoic acid.

The physical property of a compound is expressed in terms of molar mass. The molar mass of Vitamin B5, which is calculated from standard atomic weights,  is 219.35. It appears as a white powder and is usually odorless. It is a hygroscopic compound meaning it regularly and consistently takes up, and retains moisture. Vitamin B5 is also an aqueous solution, and dissolves slightly in alcohol, but less in chloroform. or ethyl ether. Its should be stored in a dry, cool area.

Vitamin B5 has a multitude of uses and a wide range of disputed uses as well. First, it can be use to treat the condition of testicular torsion, which can have a detrimental effect to fertility. There have been studies done that confirm the use of B5 to have a beneficial effect on this condition. Reactive oxygen species can be fought with glutathione, a chemical that Pantothenic acid assists the body  to retain.