Pantothenic acid, one of the eight vitamins that make up the B-complex, is important to the body’s overall health and function.
Acne is known to harm both a person’s self-esteem and their quality of life. It is possible that permanent scarring will result. This motivates many people to look for treatment.
Vitamin B-5, also referred to as pantothenic acid, is a natural treatment with the potential to be of some assistance.
Keep reading to find out more about pantothenic acid, such as how it can be utilized, as well as what the research says about the effectiveness of its use in treating acne.
Table of Contents
What is Pantothenic Acid?
One of the eight B vitamins is called pantothenic acid, or vitamin B-5. Vitamin B-5, along with the other complex B vitamins, is necessary for maintaining human health.
Oxidation is one of its primary functions, and it is responsible for converting carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into usable forms of energy.
It has also been discovered that vitamin B-5 can be beneficial for a variety of health conditions, including the following [1]:
- Depression
- Headache
- Multiple sclerosis
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
In addition, it is widely acknowledged for its role in maintaining healthy hair, skin, and eyes. You can get this vitamin by taking a vitamin B-5 supplement or even a complex B supplement, which can also be obtained from food and other naturally occurring sources.
In general, natural sources consist of the foods that you consume regularly, such as the following:
- Lentils
- Beans
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Dairy products
- Whole grain cereals
- White and sweet potatoes
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Poultry
- Meats
Can Pantothenic Acid be Used to Treat Acne?
There are several hypotheses that attempt to demonstrate a connection between vitamin B-5 and more radiant skin.
The Vitamin B-5 Deficiency Theory
Dr. Lit-Hung Leung was one of the pioneers in the field who questioned whether or not pantothenic acid could be helpful for acne.
In 1997, he had a study published in The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine that proposed the idea that the greater the amount of fat a person consumes, the more severe their acne will be [2].
He believed that a deficiency in vitamin B-5 makes it more difficult for the body to digest and process fat. As a consequence of this, some of the excess fat is expelled through the skin in the form of sebum, which is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous gland.
Each pore in your skin is associated with one of these glands connected to the pores. In most cases, acne is caused when the pores on the skin become clogged with:
- Dead skin cells
- Dirt
- Oil
Vitamin B-5 Deficiency: What is The Problem With This Theory
Nevertheless, this theory has a significant problem: Because of the widespread availability of foods containing this necessary nutrient, vitamin B-5 deficiency is highly uncommon in human populations.
In fact, it is so easily accessible that the very word for it, “pantothenic,” literally means “from everywhere.”
Other Acne Treatment Theories Involving Pantothenic Acid
There are additional possible explanations for current theories, according to Dr. Yoram Harth, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of MDacne [3]. Dr. Harth is also the founder of MDacne.
Vitamin B-5 May Increase Coenzyme A
First, he claims that vitamin B-5 raises levels of coenzyme A (CoA), which is an essential molecule in the process of lipid metabolism as well as other cellular processes.
According to him, “it is believed that a lack of CoA in the skin is one of the causes of acne,” which has been supported by research.
Coenzyme A encourages the breakdown of excess oil produced by the oil glands of the skin, reducing the likelihood that the oil pores of the skin will become clogged and that acne will develop.
Vitamin B-5 Aids in Stress Reduction.
Second, he discusses how vitamin B-5 can alleviate stress [4].
Vitamin B-5 provides additional benefits for acne sufferers, including the ability to regulate stress response [5]. Acne is frequently associated with increased levels of stress.
What Research Indicates?
There is not enough evidence available at this time to determine whether or not pantothenic acid can help acne. Nonetheless, the findings of one study have been encouraging.
The supplementation with pantothenic acid resulted in a significant reduction in the number of acne lesions that were present after an 8-week study on people with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris [6].
Even though the results of this study suggest that vitamin B-5 could be an effective acne treatment, more research is needed to prove that it is effective.
Is The Use of Pantothenic Acids Safe?
Recent studies have found that supplements of vitamin B-5 are safe to take and that the body tolerates them well.
Because pantothenic acid dissolves easily in water, the urinary tract system would dispose of any excess of it through filtration and flushing.
If you take too much of the vitamin, your urine’s color could become very bright yellow.
According to the findings of a study carried out in 2012, taking the supplement for eight weeks did not result in any major adverse effects [7].
What Dosage of Pantothenic Acid Should I Consume?
There are no official recommendations regarding the appropriate dosage of vitamin B-5 for treating acne.
When determining which acne treatment method will be most successful, it is best to consult a doctor or a dermatologist.
Pantothenic acid-containing vegetable capsules are what the good doctor recommends for his patients to take.
Conclusion
The vitamin known as vitamin B-5 is an essential vitamin. It has been linked to many other remarkable health benefits, such as the transformation of food into energy and the treatment of several different health conditions.
In addition to this, it might assist in reducing acne. Although this theory requires further investigation, preliminary findings have been encouraging.
You should take a vitamin B-5 supplement if you have trouble getting enough of your diet’s nutrients. Discussing the appropriate dosage and any other acne treatment recommendations with a qualified medical practitioner or dermatologist is best.
FAQs
However, the scientific evidence on this matter is currently limited and inconclusive, necessitating further research. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting to use this treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References and Fact-Checking
- Office of Dietary Supplements – Pantothenic Acid. (2021, March 26). Pantothenic Acid – Health Professional Fact Sheet. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PantothenicAcid-HealthProfessional/
- A Stone that Kills two Birds: How Pantothenic Acid Unveils the Mysteries of Acne Vulgaris and Obesity – Lit-Hung Leung. M.D. (n.d.). A Stone That Kills Two Birds: How Pantothenic Acid Unveils the Mysteries of Acne Vulgaris and Obesity – Lit-Hung Leung. M.D. http://orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1997/articles/1997-v12n02-p099.shtml
- Our Mission – Get Clear Skin with a Custom Acne Treatment – MDacne. (n.d.). Our Mission – Get Clear Skin With a Custom Acne Treatment – MDacne. https://www.mdacne.com/mission
- Barrett, H. (2000, January 1). Why You Need B Vitamins for Stress | Holland & Barrett. Why You Need B Vitamins for Stress | Holland & Barrett. https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/vitamins-and-supplements/vitamins/vitamin-b/need-b-vitamins-youre-stressed/?clickref=1101lxHoCi6p&utm_source=partnerize&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=affiliate&utm_term=305950&dclid=CKHExYm00IADFYpIHQkdVRsGIg
- Maleki, A., & Khalid, N. (2018). Exploring the relationship between stress and acne: a medical student’s perspective. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 11, 173–174. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29697695/
- Yang, M., Moclair, B., Hatcher, V., Kaminetsky, J., Mekas, M., Chapas, A., & Capodice, J. (2014). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a novel pantothenic Acid-based dietary supplement in subjects with mild to moderate facial acne. Dermatology and therapy, 4(1), 93–101. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24831048/
- Capodice, J. L., & Publishing, S. R. (2012, September 28). Feasibility, Tolerability, Safety and Efficacy of a Pantothenic Acid Based Dietary Supplement in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Facial Acne Blemishes. Feasibility, Tolerability, Safety and Efficacy of a Pantothenic Acid Based Dietary Supplement in Subjects With Mild to Moderate Facial Acne Blemishes. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=22372