Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Also known as: Pantothenic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, D-Pantothenic Acid
Vitamin B5 is an essential water-soluble vitamin, functioning primarily as a component of coenzyme A (CoA). CoA is vital for metabolic processes, including energy production (Krebs cycle), fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, and the synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, and neurotransmitters like acetylcholine. Deficiency is rare due to its widespread presence in foods, but can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Supplementation is generally safe, with a low risk of toxicity.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-22 · 4 indexed studies
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Overview
Pantothenic acid, commonly known as vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin that is an essential nutrient. It is a precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), a crucial molecule involved in numerous metabolic pathways, including the synthesis and degradation of fatty acids, cholesterol, steroid hormones, and acetylcholine. It is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. As a water-soluble vitamin, it is not stored in significant amounts in the body, requiring regular dietary intake.
Mechanism & Function
Pantothenic acid · C₉H₁₇NO₅ — source: PubChem CID 6613
White hygroscopic crystalline B-vitamin (typically as calcium D-pantothenate).
- Capsule
- Tablet
- Powder
Capsule is generally preferred for bioavailability or efficacy.
Mechanism of Action
Pantothenic acid is metabolically converted to coenzyme A (CoA). CoA contains a thiol group (-SH) which is the reactive site. This thiol group forms thioester bonds with acyl groups (e.g., acetyl, succinyl, fatty acyl), generating high-energy compounds like acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA is a central molecule in intermediary metabolism, participating in the citric acid cycle for energy production, fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, and the synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, and neurotransmitters. Pantothenic acid also forms part of the acyl carrier protein (ACP), which is involved in fatty acid synthesis.
Physiological Role
Vitamin B5's main physiological role is as a key component of coenzyme A (CoA). CoA is indispensable for energy metabolism via the Krebs cycle and beta-oxidation of fatty acids. It plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is also involved in the detoxification processes in the liver and the synthesis of heme. Given its ubiquitous role in metabolism, pantothenic acid is essential for maintaining overall cellular function and health.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
While not directly enhancing athletic performance in individuals with adequate intake, Vitamin B5's role in energy metabolism means that a deficiency could impair energy production and overall physical capacity. For the general population, its role in various metabolic pathways supports overall health and cellular function. Some anecdotal evidence and limited studies suggest potential benefits for skin health and wound healing.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 5-10 mg (RDA is 5 mg)
- Optimal Range
- 5-10 mg for general health; 100-500 mg for specific therapeutic applications (e.g., acne)
- Upper / Caution Level
- No official UL established; doses >10 g/day may cause mild intestinal upset
- Timing
- Can be taken with or without food, typically once daily with a meal.
- Best Format
- Tablets, capsules, or as part of a B-complex vitamin.
- Bioavailability
- Well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Bioavailability is generally high.
- Absorption Considerations
- Absorption is active at low concentrations and passive at high concentrations. Some evidence suggests absorption may be enhanced when taken with food.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Diarrhea (at very high doses >10 g/day)
- •Mild gastrointestinal upset (at very high doses)
Contraindications
- None known with standard supplementation.
Drug Interactions
- •None significant. May theoretically interact with cholesterol-lowering drugs due to its role in cholesterol metabolism, but evidence is lacking.
Who Should Avoid
- •Individuals with known hypersensitivity to pantothenic acid.
Monitoring
Generally not required due to low toxicity. In cases of very high doses, monitoring for gastrointestinal comfort may be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) typically used or indicated?
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is most commonly used for: Energy Metabolism, Skin Health, Hair Health, Cholesterol Management. Vitamin B5's main physiological role is as a key component of coenzyme A (CoA). CoA is indispensable for energy metabolism via the Krebs cycle and beta-oxidation of fatty acids. It plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It is also involved in the detoxification processes in the liver and the synthesis of heme. Given its ubiquitous role in metabolism, pantothenic acid is essential for maintaining overall cellular function and health.
How does Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) work?
Pantothenic acid is metabolically converted to coenzyme A (CoA). CoA contains a thiol group (-SH) which is the reactive site. This thiol group forms thioester bonds with acyl groups (e.g., acetyl, succinyl, fatty acyl), generating high-energy compounds like acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA is a central molecule in intermediary metabolism, participating in the citric acid cycle for energy production, fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, and the synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, and neurotransmitters. Pantothenic acid also forms part of the acyl carrier protein (ACP), which is involved in fatty acid synthesis.
What is the recommended dose of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)?
The optimal range is 5-10 mg for general health; 100-500 mg for specific therapeutic applications (e.g., acne). with a minimum effective dose of 5-10 mg (RDA is 5 mg). Best taken: Can be taken with or without food, typically once daily with a meal.. Upper / caution level: No official UL established; doses >10 g/day may cause mild intestinal upset.
What are the side effects of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)?
Reported side effects include: Diarrhea (at very high doses >10 g/day); and Mild gastrointestinal upset (at very high doses). Monitoring: Generally not required due to low toxicity. In cases of very high doses, monitoring for gastrointestinal comfort may be considered.
Does Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: None significant. May theoretically interact with cholesterol-lowering drugs due to its role in cholesterol metabolism, but evidence is lacking.. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)?
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is generally not recommended for: Individuals with known hypersensitivity to pantothenic acid.; and None known with standard supplementation..
How strong is the evidence for Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 65/100), based on 4 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (4)
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a daily supplement containing antioxidants, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients for the improvement of facial skin aging signs.
This study investigated the effects of a supplement containing multiple ingredients, including pantothenic acid, on skin aging signs. While not solely focused on B5, it highlights its inclusion in multi-ingredient formulations aimed at skin health.
Pantothenic Acid
A comprehensive review of pantothenic acid's biochemistry, physiology, clinical roles, and therapeutic uses. It consolidates information regarding its essential functions and potential applications.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A review of the literature.
This review specifically examines the evidence for pantothenic acid in treating acne vulgaris, critically evaluating both anecdotal and clinical data.
Effect of pantethine on plasma lipid levels in hyperlipidemic subjects: a meta-analysis of ten clinical studies.
This meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of pantethine, a stable derivative of pantothenic acid, on plasma lipid levels in individuals with hyperlipidemia.
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid
SuppIndex. (2026). Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid
Based on 4 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Highly compatible with most supplements, especially other B-vitamins, as they often work synergistically in metabolic pathways.