Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
For the health condition: Nervous Exhaustion

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Synopsis

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

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) has historically been associated with "nervous exhaustion" or fatigue, especially within the context of early to mid-20th century naturopathic and alternative medicine literature. The rationale stems largely from the vitamin’s role in energy metabolism, particularly its necessity for synthesizing coenzyme A, which is crucial for the Krebs cycle and adrenocortical function. Some older sources suggested that B5 could help restore depleted "nerve energy" or support adrenal function during periods of stress or exhaustion, concepts often referred to as "nervous exhaustion." However, clinical trial evidence supporting these claims is very limited. While severe B5 deficiency can produce symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and neurological complaints (as seen in extreme malnutrition), such deficiency is extremely rare due to its wide availability in foods. Modern scientific literature does not support the routine use of supplemental pantothenic acid for nervous exhaustion, stress, or related neuropsychiatric symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals. Therefore, its use for this indication is grounded primarily in traditional and historical practices rather than robust scientific validation.

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