Vitamin B5 Supplements Lower Bad Cholesterol Levels

B vitamins are extremely important for the health of the human body. Vitamins like B12 and B6 are essential for proper immune system function. In total, there are 8 B vitamins (although they are not numbed in sequence). B vitamins are involved in energy production, synthesis of fatty acids, metabolic function, and bone production. Low levels of B vitamins can harm all functions of the body.

While all B vitamins are important for a healthy body, vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic acid (the derivative form is pantethine), is particularly helpful in lowering cholesterol levels.

The Role of Cholesterol

While high cholesterol levels are cited as the cause for many problems, like heart disease and diabetes, the role of cholesterol in the body is typically misunderstood. In fact, cholesterol is necessary for the production of cells. Cholesterol is used to create new cells, and heal inflammation in the body. Cholesterol levels fluctuate based on the health of a person.

Typically, high cholesterol levels indicate that a person’s body is unhealthy. Since cholesterol is a building block and repair feature of the body, the more cholesterol is in the blood, the more problems a body has. Cholesterol becomes a problem when small particle LDL cholesterol (often called the “bad” cholesterol) attaches to the walls of blood vessels. Here, it is trapped and oxidizes, creating inflammation and plaque buildup that can lead to problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes. High cholesterol itself is not the problem, but rather a symptom of poor overall health.

Vitamin B5 and Cholesterol

How can a simple B vitamin help control bad cholesterol levels in the body? The research backing the use of this vitamin for managing cholesterol levels is well documented.

A 1984 study published in Atherosclerosis looked at how vitamin B5 influenced cholesterol levels in rabbits. For 90 days, rabbits were given cholesterol in combination with vitamin B5. At the end of the study period, the rabbits showed that the rabbits total blood cholesterol levels were lowered by about 64 percent. Plaque levels were reduced by 18 percent, and the total number and size of plaque lesions were reduced. The researchers found that pantethine blocks the function of some of the enzymes that create LDL cholesterol by about 50 percent.

In 1987, researchers from the Asahikawa Medical College in Japan looked at 16 diabetics with high cholesterol levels. These patients were given between 600 mg and 1200 mg of pantethine per day for 9 months. The patient's total cholesterol levels declined significantly by the end of the 9 month period.

A 2001 study from the National Academy of Sciences studied the effects of pantethine in obese mice. The mice were injected with the vitamin 10 days before they were studied. After injection, the mice showed a reduction in weight gain, and control of a variety of other factors, including reduced cholesterol levels, lowered triglyceride levels, and a reduction in cholesterol in the liver and bloodstream.

In 2011, researchers from Princeton found that supplementing with pantethine was able to reduce total cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein levels in low-CVD-risk patients. Similar studies in Japan and Italy showed similar results with high-CVD-risk patients. Over a period of 16 weeks, patients were given between 600 mg and 900 mg of pantethine daily. By the end of the study period, patients showed a 6 mg/dL reduction in cholesterol levels. According to previous studies, each mg of cholesterol reduction reduces the risk of developing CVD by 1 percent.

A study from the University Of Minnesota Medical School studied the effects of pantethine on patients who were considered “healthy.” The patients were given a supplement of a placebo, 600 mg of pantethine, or 900 mg of pantethine per day for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the patients taking the pantethine supplements showed a reduction in LDL cholesterol by up to 15 percent, a reduction in triglyceride levels by up to 25 percent, and an increase in HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) levels by up to 20 percent. Typically, high levels of HDL cholesterol indicate the ability to quickly clear fat from the blood and prevent oxidation.

Supplementing with Vitamin B5

The New York University Medical Center recommends that individuals take a supplement of pantethine of 300 mg three times a day, for a total of 900 mg per day. In some cases, patients can take up to 1980 mg per day (660 three times a day).

Other Benefits of Vitamin B5

According to New York University, vitamin B5 may also be helpful for reducing inflammation and controlling arthritis symptoms. One 1963 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association of 66 people showed that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis had less vitamin B5 in the blood than 29 healthy people.

A follow-up study in 1980 of 18 subjects looked at how supplementing with vitamin B5 could benefit arthritis patients. 2 g of pantothenic acid daily was administered to the patients. This supplementation was able to reduce morning stiffness, pain, and disability better than the patients taking the placebo. However, since the study was small, further examination is necessary. Vitamin B5 may also be helpful in speeding wound healing. Taking pantothenic acid by mouth and applying it to the skin was shown in several studies to increase wound healing time.

One 1999 study conducted by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. in Switzerland added calcium-D-pantothenate to cultured human cells simulating an open wound. The study found that adding the calcium-D-pantothenate increased the speed of cell migration. However, no significant studies have been done on humans.

Natural Sources of Vitamin B5

It is rare for a person to have an actual deficiency in vitamin B5. Many foods contain vitamin B5 naturally. In fact, the name for vitamin B5, Pantothenic acid, comes from the Greek word “pantos,” which means everywhere. You can find vitamin B5 naturally in the following foods:

Add these foods to your diet regularly to ensure that you receive the most potent form of natural vitamin B5.

Complimentary Steps for Lowering Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels are simply a symptom of larger problems. Cholesterol is a healing agent in the body. When your body is sick (often caused by excessive inflammation), cholesterol levels remain high to try and control the damage. If you try to lower cholesterol levels without addressing the problem behind the issue, then it can be dangerous. Cholesterol is a vital healing element, and if you remove the healing element without addressing the problem causing the issue, you can actually hurt your health.

The best way to lower cholesterol levels safely is through a whole-body approach. In general, the healthier you are, the lower your bad cholesterol levels will be. You can do this through:

Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity can raise your cholesterol levels faster than almost anything else. Your body is not designed for obesity, which triggers a chronic inflammatory response in the body. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can naturally control the triggers that produce “bad” cholesterol in the blood.

Exercising regularly: Exercise is important for controlling cholesterol levels. Frequent exercise for at least 30 minutes a day 3-5 times a week will actively lower triglyceride levels in the blood. If you lack the motivation for exercise, try working with a partner or trying a fun movement-based activity, like a walking club.

Eliminating processed foods: Processed foods are high in many ingredients that trigger inflammation in the body. Two major contributors are omega 6 fatty acids and trans fats. Omega 6 fatty acids have their place, and can be good for you in moderation, but most Americans have excessively high omega 6 levels. This can speed the process of cholesterol oxidation and may contribute to high cholesterol levels. Trans fats are hydrogenated vegetable oils that are already rancid. According to The Mayo Clinic, trans fats both lower good cholesterol levels and raise bad cholesterol levels. Avoid any hydrogenated oils and trans fats to avoid this complication.

Complementary supplements: Other supplements can also help control bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. According to The Mayo Clinic, barley and barley oil, fish oil, garlic, green tea, oat bran, and artichoke extract are all excellent supplements that can lower the bad cholesterol levels in your blood.

Preventing the Build-Up of Bad Cholesterol

If you want to improve your overall health, you must address your cholesterol levels at the source. Living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding foods that raise bad cholesterol levels is important to reduce your risk of getting diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and strokes. High cholesterol levels cause oxidation in the blood, which leads to plaque buildup on the arteries, leading to high blood pressure and other complications. Controlling cholesterol levels with supplements like vitamin B5 is an excellent way to protect your overall health. However, just taking supplements will not produce the desired results. For maximum health, you must ensure that your entire lifestyle is promoting healthy habits, including healthy foods, an active lifestyle, and the avoidance of foods that contribute to high cholesterol levels such as trans fats.