Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate)
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 1

Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate) has been investigated as a treatment for acne, but the evidence supporting its efficacy is limited and preliminary. The interest in B5 for acne is based primarily on a few small-scale studies and case reports. One open-label pilot study published in 1995 by Dr. Lit-Hung Leung suggested that high doses of pantothenic acid (10g/day) reduced acne lesions, possibly by enhancing coenzyme A (CoA) production and thereby improving fatty acid metabolism in the skin. However, this study had significant methodological limitations, including lack of randomization, control, and blinding.

Subsequent research has been scant, with a few small, non-randomized, or non-blinded studies suggesting potential benefits, but no large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials have confirmed these findings. The proposed mechanism is theoretical: by increasing CoA availability, B5 may help regulate lipid metabolism in sebaceous glands, reducing sebum production, which is a contributing factor in acne. However, this mechanism has not been conclusively demonstrated in human studies.

Major dermatological guidelines and reviews do not recommend Vitamin B5 as a standard treatment for acne due to insufficient evidence. Overall, while there is some preliminary scientific interest, the evidence is weak (rating: 1/5), and Vitamin B5 should not be considered a validated or primary therapy for acne at this time.

More about Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate)
More about Acne

Other health conditions supported by Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate)

Acne
Burning Feet or Hands
Canker Sores
Convalescence
Dermatitis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Stress
Wounds and Sores

Products containing Vitamin B5 (calcium pantothenate)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.