Synopsis

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

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is traditionally used in some alternative and integrative medicine circles to "support" adrenal gland function, particularly in formulas marketed for stress, fatigue, or adrenal health. The rationale comes from the fact that pantothenic acid is a precursor for coenzyme A, which is essential in numerous metabolic pathways, including the synthesis of adrenal hormones such as cortisol. Early animal studies in the mid-20th century showed that pantothenic acid deficiency could result in impaired adrenal function and reduced steroid synthesis in rats, which formed the basis for its traditional use in supporting the adrenal glands. However, robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking. Most people obtain sufficient B5 from their diets, and overt deficiency is rare. No large-scale, high-quality human trials have demonstrated that supplementation with B5 has a significant effect on adrenal health or function in otherwise healthy individuals. Therefore, while its use is rooted in traditional or theoretical considerations, scientific support is limited, and the evidence base is weak. Most current uses in supplements for adrenal support are extrapolated from outdated animal studies rather than validated human research.

More about Vitamin B5 (unspecified)
More about Adrenal Glands

Other ingredients that support Adrenal Glands

Other body systems supported by Vitamin B5 (unspecified)

Products containing Vitamin B5 (unspecified)