I recently went to the doctor, explaining to them that I'm still not pregnant, after almost 2 years now of actively trying, and that I wanted a vitamin panel done. I was also concerned about my adrenals, stating that it must be the cortisol (the stress hormone) issue that's preventing me from losing weight and fully calming down.
So they ran a million tests... and ran a micro-nutrient test with SpectraCell Laboratory.
I fully expected to have some deficiencies, but I knew I would generally be okay, considering I do supplement.
Since I am Celiac, I'm not surprised to find deficiencies, although your average person could always have vitamin deficiencies, like vitamin D3.
I was really blown away to find out I am very deficient in vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid.
Pantothenic acid is found in EVERYTHING that mammals (including humans) eat. It is a very very important vitamin that helps the co-enzyme A function properly, the adrenals keep up to their best, and help your brain function a bit better. If your adrenals don't function properly, you don't function properly and your body goes into distress mode. My TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) was sky high, after decreasing after going gluten free, shocking the hell out of me. My DHEA-S and testosterone levels were well above where they should be, indicating there's a heavy duty adrenal issue happening. Not to mention my infertility... which is directly related to B5 deficiency as well.
But here's the problem and why I never even CONSIDERED that I could have a deficiency:
Pantothenic acid is literally found in EVERYTHING, like I mentioned earlier. To find someone with a B5 deficiency means they have either been literally starving, or they are an alcoholic. (which I am neither)
But.
Back in the day, they used to treat Celiac Disease with pantothenic acid, to help the patient feel better. Because of the drastic gastrointestinal issues and malabsorption that is so common among Celiacs, those B vitamins are up for rejection in the Celiac system, which does include B5. It is also noted, in that article I linked to, that a vitamin B5 deficiency does cause atrophy of the villi in the intestines. If a subject does not feel completely better, nor return to complete normalcy, or only half way responds to a gluten free diet, try B5.
After 5 days of having taken at least 1000mg a day of pantothenic acid, I can truly say that I have experienced an upswing in my mood and most importantly, my ability to focus. My intelligence is huge to me, and to lose that in the last couple years because I was unable to focus properly was very hard on my self esteem.
Yet... I continue on... hopefully in a few months I can get pregnant as my body regulates.
