Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
For the health condition: Adrenal Fatigue
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is commonly recommended in alternative and integrative medicine circles for "adrenal fatigue," a condition not recognized by mainstream medicine. The justification is largely based on the vitamin's role in the synthesis of coenzyme A, essential for the production of adrenal hormones like cortisol. Historically, some animal studies from the mid-20th century suggested that pantothenic acid deficiency could impair adrenal function, leading to decreased production of corticosteroids. However, these findings have not been robustly replicated or expanded in human clinical trials, and subsequent research in humans is limited and inconclusive.
There is no strong scientific consensus or clinical guideline supporting the use of Vitamin B5 for "adrenal fatigue," a diagnosis lacking clear medical definition or acceptance. The use persists mainly due to tradition within naturopathic and alternative health communities, rather than rigorous scientific validation. Overall, while Vitamin B5 is essential for general health and its severe deficiency can impact the adrenal glands, there is minimal direct evidence that supplementation benefits individuals with so-called "adrenal fatigue." The evidence rating of 1 reflects weak support, primarily derived from tradition and limited animal studies, rather than human clinical evidence.
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Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
AcneAdrenal Fatigue
Burning Feet or Hands
Canker Sores
Energy (lack of)
Hair (loss or thinning)
Nervous Exhaustion