Functions Of Pantothenic Acid

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that destroys the immune system, leaving the person unable to fight certain types of infection or cancer. HIV also attacks the central nervous system, causing mental and neurological problems. The virus is carried in bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, and blood, including menstrual blood). Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), another of the B complex vitamins, is a yellow viscous oil found usually as the calcium or sodium salt—that is, calcium pantothenate. It is present in all living cells and is very important to metabolism where it functions as part of the molecule called coenzyme A or CoA. Pantothenic acid is found in yeasts, molds, bacteria, and plant and animal cells, as well as in human blood plasma and lymph fluid.

Functions: Pantothenic acid as coenzyme A is closely involved in adrenal cortex function and has come to be known as the "anti-stress" vitamin. It supports the adrenal glands to increase production of cortisone and other adrenal hormones to help counteract stress and enhance metabolism. Through this mechanism, pantothenic acid is also thought to help prevent aging and wrinkles. It is generally important to healthy skin and nerves. Through its adrenal support, vitamin B5 may reduce potentially toxic effects of antibiotics and radiation.

Changes in absorption

Even when nutriment is available, it may be poorly engaged in patients with HIV and AIDS. Intestinal malabsorption and nutrient loss is common. While severe diarrhoea and malabsorption may be due to opportunistic infections or intestinal parasites such as cryptosporidiosis, some of the altered absorption appears to be a consequence of HIV infection itself. The virus has been shown to destruction the intestinal villi, and redness can damage gut tissue and reduce absorption.

Frequently small bowel movement time is accelerated, particularly among children with severe diarrhoea. Enzymes in the intestinal mucosa involved with metabolism and absorption can also be less active.

These changes in the gut seem to attack the body’s aptitude to utilise dietary fat and carbohydrates. A number of studies have reported that people with HIV have high levels of foe-cal fat that is distinct to fat intake or, in one study in children, the proximity of any intestinal infection other than HIV itself.

Anabolic steroids are another experimental treatment for lipodystrophy

Anabolic steroids are another experimental treatment for lipodystrophy as well as a sample treatment for HIV-related wasting. French researchers reported on a man receiving treatment with AZT/3TC who developed a buffalo hump and insulin resistance nine months after start treatment. He received intramuscular testosterone cypionate biweekly for four months and lost abdominal fat and gained lean muscle mass. Furthermore, studies have establish that anabolic steroids make weight and lean corpse mound increases in people with HIV-related wasting. Steroids may disguise the visible signs of dystrophy rather than terminate or reverse loss of fat tissue.

A randomized study of oxymetholone treatment in 92 individuals with weight loss due to HIV wasting or lipodystrophy establish that the anabolic steroid had no impact on totality cadaver fat after 16 weeks of follow-up, although weight and muscle increased.