Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate) in Convalescence: Evidence Overview

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid (and commonly administered as its calcium salt, calcium pantothenate), is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in energy metabolism, particularly as a component of coenzyme A. During periods of convalescence—recovery from illness, surgery, or significant stress—the body’s metabolic demands can be increased, and adequate nutrition is essential for tissue repair and regaining strength.

There is limited but plausible scientific justification for including Vitamin B5 in formulations or recommendations for convalescence. Deficiency of pantothenic acid is rare in humans due to its wide distribution in foods and low daily requirement; however, experimental deficiency states in animals and rare human cases have demonstrated symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, and impaired wound healing, which theoretically could slow recovery from illness. Some small studies and older clinical reports have suggested that supplemental pantothenic acid may help with stamina, energy, and recovery, particularly in states of deficiency or increased metabolic demand. Nevertheless, there is a lack of high-quality, controlled clinical trials directly demonstrating that supplementation with Vitamin B5 improves outcomes in convalescent individuals who are not deficient.

In summary, the scientific evidence for the use of Vitamin B5 during convalescence is limited and mostly indirect, relying on its known biochemical roles and extrapolation from deficiency states. It is more often included as part of broad-spectrum B-complex supplements rather than as a specific, evidence-based intervention for convalescence.

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