Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B5 (mixed)
For the health condition: Burning Feet or Hands
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, has a traditional history of use in the management of burning feet or hands, often referred to as "burning feet syndrome." This association dates back to observations during World War II, when prisoners of war in Southeast Asia developed symptoms of burning feet, which were alleviated with vitamin B supplementation, especially B vitamins including B5. However, more recent and rigorous scientific studies specifically isolating vitamin B5's effect are lacking. The exact mechanism is not well understood, but it is hypothesized that B5 deficiency may contribute to peripheral neuropathy, which can cause burning sensations. In clinical practice, burning feet are more commonly linked to deficiencies of other B vitamins, such as B1 (thiamine) or B12, or to conditions like diabetes. Current scientific evidence for the use of vitamin B5 in treating burning feet or hands is weak and largely anecdotal, and it is not a standard treatment in evidence-based medicine. As such, while there is some traditional precedent for its use, robust clinical evidence is lacking.
More about Vitamin B5 (mixed)
More about Burning Feet or Hands
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B5 (mixed)
AcneBurning Feet or Hands
Burns and Scalds
Cholesterol (high)
Cuts
Dermatitis
