Vitamin B5 Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors
Vitamin B5 deficiency by itself is pretty rare. It usually occurs in combination with the deficiency of other vitamins. This nutrient deficiency can be found in those suffering from acute malnutrition or severe alcoholism.
To know all about vitamin B5 deficiency, the symptoms, causes, and associated risks, read below!
What Is Vitamin B5 Deficiency?
As already mentioned, vitamin B5 deficiency is extremely rare in the developed parts of the world. Also known as pantothenic acid, vitamin B5 is found in almost all foods. Therefore, with a proper diet, everyone gets at least their daily required amount naturally from the foods they eat.
On the other hand, the lack of vitamin B5 in the body compared to the recommended levels is referred to as a vitamin B5 deficiency.
Who is at Risk of Vitamin B5 Deficiency?
There is only one group of people who are at risk of pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 deficiency.
Such people have a genetic mutation of the pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2) gene. This genetic mutation results in pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN).
PKAN develops when the pantothenic acid is not fully converted to coenzyme A.
Besides, those people who are malnourished are also at risk of suffering from vitamin B5 deficiency.
Symptoms of Vitamin B5 Deficiency
Readers should note that vitamin B5 deficiency symptoms are infrequent. However, some of the common symptoms are:
- Burning feet
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Stomach pain
- Upper respiratory infections
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Disturbed sleep
- Headache
- Restlessness
These symptoms of vitamin B5 deficiency in adults are also the same in the case of children.
Reasons behind Vitamin B5 Deficiency
- Usually, vitamin B5 deficiency is caused by a genetic mutation where pantothenic acid cannot be metabolised. The disorder is known as pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN).
- Apart from this, malnourishment also results in vitamin B5 deficiency.
Vitamin B5 Deficiency Diseases
Firstly, vitamin B5 deficiency diseases do not exist.
However, the vitamin is used in the treatment of several conditions, such as:
- Yeast infections
- Wound healing
- Tongue infections
- Salicylate toxicity
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Respiratory disorders
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Obesity
- Neuralgia
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Low blood sugar
- Low blood pressure
- Leg cramps
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Heart failure
- Headaches
- Enlarged prostate
- Dizziness
- Diabetic nerve pain
- Depression
- Dandruff
- Cystitis
- Convulsions
- Conjunctivitis
- Colitis
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Celiac disease
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Burning feet syndrome
- Baldness
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Alcoholism
- ADHD
- Acne
Adverse Effects of Vitamin B5 Deficiency in the Long Term
As already mentioned, the effects of vitamin B5 deficiency do not directly result in any diseases.
However, you may notice some of those symptoms as stated above. Ingestion of large amounts of vitamin B5 results in diarrhoea.
How to Prevent & Overcome Vitamin B5 Deficiency?
The best way to overcome vitamin B5 deficiency is to consume a balanced diet.
The table below shows the daily intake amount for vitamin B5.
| Category of People (by age) | Daily Intake Amount |
|---|---|
| 6 months or younger | 1.7 mg |
| 7 months to 1 year | 1.8 mg |
| 1 year to 3 years | 2 mg |
| 4 years to 8 years | 3 mg |
| 9 years to 13 years | 4 mg |
| 14 years and older | 5 mg |
(source)
How Long Does It Take to Correct Vitamin B5 Deficiency?
The time taken to correct vitamin B5 deficiency varies from person to person. In addition, it depends on underlying factors such as health, age, sex, etc. Therefore, consult with a doctor to know more about what suits you the best.
In conclusion, vitamin B5 deficiency is very rare in the developed world. However, those who suffer from this ailment may also be suffering from several other vitamin deficiencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much vitamin B5 should a person take daily?
The daily recommended dosage of vitamin B5 is 5mg per day for normal adults. However, since pantothenic acid is present in most foods, people usually get their recommended amount of vitamin B5 naturally from their daily diet.
Is it harmful to intake more than 5mg of vitamin B5 per day for adults?
Generally, a higher dose of vitamin B5 is not that harmful. Although, it may cause diseases like diarrhoea if the intake is substantially more than a gram.
Why is deficiency of pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 harmful?
Pantothenic acid is used to synthesise carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Deficiency of vitamin B5 within the body may increase symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, restlessness, and irritations.