Evidence supporting the use of: Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
For the health condition: Adrenal Fatigue

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is commonly included in supplements marketed for "adrenal fatigue," a term widely used in alternative and integrative medicine but not recognized by mainstream endocrinology. The use of vitamin B5 for supporting adrenal function is primarily based on tradition and historical precedent among naturopathic and holistic practitioners. This practice stems from early animal studies in the mid-20th century that showed pantothenic acid is essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A, a molecule necessary in energy metabolism and the biosynthesis of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol. Additionally, severe pantothenic acid deficiency in animals led to impaired adrenal function and reduced steroid hormone production. However, these deficiency states are extremely rare in humans, and there is no robust clinical evidence demonstrating that supplemental vitamin B5 improves adrenal function or alleviates symptoms attributed to "adrenal fatigue" in otherwise healthy individuals. The concept of "adrenal fatigue" itself lacks scientific consensus and is not recognized as a medical diagnosis by major endocrine societies. As such, while the use of pantothenic acid for adrenal health has historical and traditional roots, current scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for this purpose is minimal. No high-quality human trials have validated its use for "adrenal fatigue."

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Other health conditions supported by pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)

Acne
Adrenal Fatigue
Burning Feet or Hands
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Hair (loss or thinning)