D calcium pantothenate is a synthetic substance made from pantothenic acid and sold as vitamin B-5 supplements.
Contents
Uses
Vitamin B-5 is one of the eight B vitamins and an essential nutrient your body uses to create energy and break down carbohydrates and fats. Your body requires the B-complex vitamins including B-5 to carry out many nervous system functions. Doctors also prescribe D calcium pantothenate as a treatment for acne and morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Benefits
Acne Treatment
According to “Pathogenesis and Treatment of Acne and Rosacea,” deficiency of vitamin B-5 is a common cause of acne. Vitamin B-5 deficiency can lead to hyperactive oil glands that produce acne. These glands clog the skin, trapping bacteria and producing pimples and blackheads. Taking a D calcium pantothenate supplement can reduce teenage and adult acne breakouts in some individuals. Speak with a medical professional prior to taking a D calcium pantothenate supplement due to some moderate to severe side effects associated with the use of this supplement to treat acne. Common side effects include hair loss, dry skin and eyes, and frequent bowel movements.
Benefits
Your body uses B-5 to manufacture red blood cells and sex- and stress-related hormones in your adrenal glands. Additionally, according to “Pathogenesis and Treatment of Acne and Rosacea,” vitamin B-5 can reduce the healing time of wounds if you apply a small amount of D calcium pantothenate ointment on the site of the wound. Further, according to “What You Must Know About Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, & More: Choosing the Nutrients That Are Right for You,” D calcium pantothenate may help to reduce triglycerides in your blood, lower LDLs — the bad cholesterol — and raise HDLs, the good cholesterol.
Cautions
Deficiency and Side Effects
According to “User’s Guide to the B-Complex Vitamins,” vitamin B-5 deficiencies are not common. However, taking too much of one kind of a B vitamin can cause an imbalance of the other B vitamins. By taking a B-complex vitamin you can avoid this imbalance. Vitamin B-5 also interferes with the absorption and effectiveness of the antibiotic tetracycline. Additionally, vitamin B-5 may affect some drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Interactions
None interactions are recorded.
Other names
D calcium pantothenate
References
Source: LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/459972-what-is-d-calcium-pantothenate/
WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6050/calcium-pantothenate/details