Synopsis

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

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is traditionally used to support adrenal gland function, mainly based on its role in energy metabolism and the synthesis of coenzyme A, which is vital for the production of steroid hormones (including cortisol) in the adrenal cortex. Early animal studies from the mid-20th century suggested that pantothenic acid deficiency could impair adrenal function, leading to reduced production of adrenal hormones in rats. This led to the vitamin being included in "adrenal support" supplements and recommended by some practitioners of integrative or alternative medicine for stress, fatigue, and adrenal "fatigue" (a non-validated diagnosis).

However, scientific evidence in humans is limited. While pantothenic acid is clearly essential for overall health, there is little direct clinical research showing that supplementation provides specific benefits to adrenal gland function in people with adequate dietary intake. The vitamin is widely available in foods, and deficiency is rare. No large, well-controlled human trials have demonstrated that extra vitamin B5 improves adrenal health or function. Most of the rationale for its inclusion in adrenal support formulas is based on its general metabolic role and older animal studies rather than robust clinical data. Therefore, the use of vitamin B5 for adrenal support is supported more by tradition and extrapolation than by strong scientific evidence.

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