What is it?

Vitamin b5 (or pantothenic acid) is essential for basic body function.  It assists in vital growth and reproductive processes.  The name 'pantothenic' comes from the Greek panthos meaning 'everywhere'.  Thus it is found in a lot of food naturally. (b5 is found in whole grain breads and cereals, meats, vegetables, dairy, yeast, eggs for instance)   b5 is also commonly used therapeutically as a supplement in large amounts.

Where can I buy b5?

b5 is sold at most pharmacies, health food stores and occasionally supermarkets.  I do know of some countries where b5 is not easy to come by on the shelf, but it is readily purchasable from many online merchants and web-based pharmacies.  It may be under the name "Pantothenic Acid" and is commonly sold in tablet form as Calcium Pantothenate.

How does it work?

Conventional treatments (particulary topical medications) may have some success but they are merely treating the symptom not the cause.  Antibiotics can work, but often at the expense of some devastating side-effects and the possibility of worse flare ups after the completion of the course.  b5 treats acne at the cause, to prevent breakouts and is a natural, water soluble vitamin.

Put simply, b5 creates co-enzyme A in the body via a chemical reaction.  This enzyme is responsible for many body functions including metabolising fats.  The theory is that, commonly there is a deficiency in the amount of co-enzyme A and it is used for the more important functions first, is reproductive development. (This might explain why acne is more prevalent in teens.)  Therefore fats (lipids) aren't readily metabolised and accumulate in the sebaceous glands in the face as sebum (oil) and hence acne is created.  By supplementing with b5 it is thought that there is enough co-enzyme A created to fulfil all of its functions, so that fats are metabolised and acne is prevented from forming.  

What dosage is required?

In the original study a daily dosage of 10gms was used.  This sounds like a lot, and it is (eg if you're using 500mg tablets, 20 per day would be required.)  Many people choose not to start at this high dose and start lower (eg 3 - 5gms).  It is anticipated however that after several months at the higher dose you drop down to what is called a "maintenance dose".  The high primary dose is intended to give your body a rapid boost in pantothenic acid.

The daily dosage should be split up evenly over the day and taken with food.  (eg at 10gms a day take 4 tablets periodically 5 times during the day with a meal.)  b5 is better absorbed when the gastro-intestinal system is at work (ie digestion).  

Why is b5 therapy not widely known about?

There may be several reasons why this is the case.  This is a relatively "new" acne treatment; it's primary study carried out only 6 years ago.  Secondly doctors are hesitant to recommend anything that still is rather experimental.  Again it should be stressed that there has never been any reported toxicity of b5, ever.  Also, acne treatment is a billion dollar industry.  If word got out that a simple, readily available and more importantly natural vitamin could effectively treat acne then a lot of companies would lose a lot of money.  Often drug companies (and sometimes Doctors) are more concerned with profits and towing the company line rather than with results.

Should I expect side-effects?

Many people experience no side-effects with b5 therapy.  In the early stages of treatment some people have experienced minor gastro-intestinal discomfort and mild diarrhea (this recedes with time).  It is also important to note here that in some instances (in long periods of treatment) EFA (essential fatty acid) depletion may occur. EFA's are very important for optimal health, and it's often a good idea to supplement with a product rich in EFA's (eg Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil) as well as maintaining a healthy diet.  Some people on b5 therapy have reported as suffering an "initial breakout".  I haven't experienced this myself, but b5foracne is researching into this and will publish an article about this soon.  Most of those who suffered an "initial breakout" said that it quickly subsided and results were quickly obtained thereafter.