Rheumatoid Arthritis

Vitamin B5 is available in many foods and is manufactured by our body's intestinal flora. It is present in all living cells and important in metabolism functioning (as part of the molecule coenzyme A that is involved in adrenal function), and cellular metabolism of carbohydrates and fats to release energy. Correction of low Vitamin B5 levels has been shown to bring about some alleviation of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Vitamin B5 Deficiency: Signs and Symptoms. Vitamin B5 deficiency should be quite rare for at least two reasons; it is contained in a large number of foods such as liver and other organ meats, milk, fish and poultry, whole grains, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, oranges and strawberries, and our body's intestinal flora produce it. However the standard western diet which is high in refined and processed foods, and our reliance on antibiotics that are known to reduce the good bacteria produced by intestinal flora, can lead to Vitamin B5 deficiency.

Teenagers are more likely to experience such a deficiency because their diets often include high amounts of "fast food" sugars and refined flours (all low in B vitamins). The problem may be compounded as acne (common to this group) is often treated with tetracycline antibiotics that reduce the intestinal bacteria and subsequently lower the production of Vitamin B5 in the colon. Decreased adrenal function caused by Vitamin B5 deficiency can lead to a variety of metabolic problems. Fatigue is most likely but there may also be physical and mental depression, a decrease in hydrochloric acid production and other digestive symptoms, some loss of nerve function and problems in blood sugar metabolism (with symptoms of low blood sugar being most commonly seen). Vitamin B5 deficiency may also reduce immunity that includes both cellular and antibody response.