7 replies to this topic

[Agoraphobia]

I personally believe that Vitamin B5, or Pantothenic Acid, will improve most acne problems. At least somewhat in more extreme cases. Coenzyme-A regulates both hormones and fatty-acids. I believe that most people with acne suffer from insufficient quantities of pantothenic acid. Due to this imbalance CoA produces androgens. This causes fatty acids to build up and be excreted through sebaceous glands, causing acne. Just an opinion.

Following from discoveries in mouse trials, in the late 1990s a small study was published promoting the use of pantothenic acid to treat acne vulgaris.

According to a study published in 1995 by Dr. Lit-Hung Leung, high doses of Vitamin B5 resolved acne and decreased pore size. Dr. Leung also proposes a mechanism, stating that CoA regulates both hormones and fatty-acids, and without sufficient quantities of pantothenic acid, CoA will preferentially produce androgens. This causes fatty acids to build up and be excreted through sebaceous glands, causing acne. Leung's study gave 45 Asian males and 55 Asian females varying doses of 10-20g of pantothenic acid (100,000%-200,000% of the US Daily Value), 80% orally and 20% through topical cream. Leung noted improvement of acne within one week to one month of the start of the treatment.

Critics are quick to point out the flaws in Dr. Leung's study, however. Dr. Leung's study was not a double-blind placebo controlled trial. To date, the only study looking at the effect of Vitamin B5 on acne is Dr. Leung's, and few if any dermatologists prescribe high-dose pantothenic acid. Furthermore, there is no evidence documenting acetyl-CoA regulation of androgens instead of fatty acids in times of stress or limited availability, since fatty acids are also necessary for life.

This was the only test on Vitamin B5 for acne reasons. I think someone needs to try it again. eh?

[Maya94]

I completely agree. I've been researching it for some time.

[ʀio]

I've been on b5 for nearly a year and it has worked for me

[Gators_Fan]

Not only do I believe B5 is a good acne cure, the dreaded dose of 10 grams daily is unnecessary.

I used to take 7.5 grams daily, and it lowered my acne around 60%, but I didn't feel right swallowing 15 pills. In the last 3 months I've changed my dosage to between 2 and 3 grams daily (I get 1 gram daily from my acne-script pills). From the AcneScript along with a couple extra B5 pills daily, my acne is almost completely clear now.

Of Course, I take other supplements too, most notably MSM (Powder), which is believed to make Vitamin Supplements much more effective, because they are completely absorbed.

But either way, I think just about anyone with acne can benefit from taking a couple grams of B5 daily. Anywhere from 2 to 5 grams should be useful. The most common unliked side effect is intestinal discomfort, or diarrhea. I only experienced this in the first week or so, and I don't have any side effects from taking it now.

[pinkunicorn]

^ Good post; I hope people have learned from others lessons about mega-dosing (10g daily). Sure you probably can't overdose, but you can get serious side effects such as hair loss. I think a long term low-dose of B5 is a much better route.

[03GT]

Considering trying this again. I tried it about 7 years ago but it didn't seem to help, but I may not have given it enough time. How long should it take to expect results and is there a preferred brand?

[TexMurphy01]

I'm on it now (not for long, it has to be said). If I had the oily skin type, I think it would work very well since it provides rather dry skin. Since I get mine due to having the dry skin type, I'm still somewhat doubtful as to its effectiveness for me.

[nothingisworking]

I've been taking 2 grams per day for a few months now. Haven't noticed much (if any) improvement.

I'm also taking fish oil, zinc, vitamin d, and a multivitamin.

Plus I'm sleeping with a clean towel over my pillow each night, and I'm on a pretty acne-friendly diet.

Still... can't get rid of the acne.