How do I know if I have vitamin B5 deficiency?

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

While true vitamin B5 deficiency is extremely rare in developed countries due to its prevalence in a wide variety of foods, certain risk factors can increase a person's chances of developing it. The symptoms of pantothenic acid deficiency are often non-specific and can overlap with other B vitamin deficiencies, making it difficult to pinpoint. However, paying attention to a combination of warning signs can help you and your doctor identify a potential issue.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the primary causes and common symptoms associated with low levels of pantothenic acid, including fatigue, neurological issues, and digestive problems. It details the diagnostic process and treatment options, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet and consulting a healthcare professional.

Key Points

Rare Condition: True vitamin B5 deficiency is uncommon and primarily linked to severe malnutrition or rare genetic disorders like PKAN.
Common Symptoms: Signs include fatigue, irritability, headaches, numbness/burning in the hands and feet, and digestive issues.
Non-Specific Nature: Symptoms often overlap with other B vitamin deficiencies and conditions, requiring a doctor's evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis Confirmed by Test: A blood or urine test can measure pantothenic acid levels to confirm a suspected deficiency.
Risk Factors: Risk increases for individuals with alcoholism, gastrointestinal disorders, or those on certain medications.
Dietary Solution: The best prevention and treatment is a balanced diet rich in fresh, unprocessed foods like organ meats, mushrooms, and avocado.
Supplementation May Be Necessary: In cases of confirmed deficiency, a healthcare provider may recommend supplements alongside dietary changes.

Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for converting food into energy, synthesizing fatty acids and cholesterol, and producing red blood cells and hormones. Because it is found in virtually all plant and animal foods, deficiency is uncommon except in cases of severe malnutrition. However, understanding the symptoms and risk factors is crucial for early detection if a problem arises.

Identifying the Symptoms of Vitamin B5 Deficiency

The symptoms of pantothenic acid deficiency are often vague and can be confused with other health conditions or a lack of other B vitamins. An individual may experience a combination of these signs, which can range from mild to severe, depending on the level of deficiency.

Neurological and psychological symptoms

Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent and unexplained tiredness is one of the most common signs.
Numbness and Burning: A characteristic symptom is a burning sensation or numbness in the hands and feet.
Headaches and Irritability: Frequent headaches and an increase in irritability or restlessness can occur.
Sleep Disturbances: Individuals may experience trouble sleeping, including insomnia or restless sleep.
Mental Fog: Brain fog or difficulty with concentration can manifest due to impaired energy metabolism.

Digestive and other physical symptoms

Gastrointestinal Issues: Digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, and loss of appetite, are frequently reported.
Muscle Cramps and Pain: Unexplained muscle or joint pain and cramping can be a sign.
Skin Irritations: Dermatitis, skin irritation, or other skin problems may occur, as Vitamin B5 helps maintain healthy skin.
Compromised Immunity: A weakened immune system, leading to more frequent infections, can be a symptom.

Causes and Risk Factors

True vitamin B5 deficiency is rare, and when it occurs, it's often linked to other underlying issues rather than simple dietary inadequacy.

Severe Malnutrition: This is the primary cause, often seen in cases of starvation or extremely poor dietary intake.
Genetic Disorders: A rare inherited condition called Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN) affects the body's ability to use pantothenic acid properly.
Alcoholism: Chronic alcohol use can impair the absorption of nutrients, including B vitamins.
Gastrointestinal Diseases: Conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption, such as inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's disease, increase the risk.
Certain Medications: Some medications can interact with and reduce the absorption of B vitamins.

Diagnosing a Deficiency

Since the symptoms are non-specific, a proper diagnosis requires professional medical evaluation. Your doctor will likely conduct a comprehensive assessment to rule out other potential causes.

Diagnostic methods

Clinical Evaluation: Your doctor will review your symptoms, dietary habits, and medical history.
Blood and Urine Tests: While not routinely performed, specific blood and urine tests can measure pantothenic acid concentrations to confirm a deficiency. A result of less than 1 mcmol/L in whole blood or less than 1 mg per day in urine suggests a deficiency.
Additional Tests: Since deficiencies often occur together, your doctor may test for other B vitamins, iron, and evaluate your metabolic function.

Boosting Your Vitamin B5 Intake

The most effective treatment for pantothenic acid deficiency is to increase your intake through diet and, if necessary, supplements.

Dietary sources of vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 is widely available in many foods. However, significant amounts can be lost during food processing, including canning, milling, and cooking. Opting for fresh, unprocessed foods is best.

Here is a list of foods rich in vitamin B5:

Meats and Fish: Beef, chicken, organ meats (liver), and salmon.
Dairy: Milk and eggs.
Legumes: Lentils, soybeans, and chickpeas.
Vegetables: Mushrooms (especially shiitake), avocado, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Grains: Whole grains, such as brown rice and whole-wheat pita.
Nuts and Seeds: Sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Comparison of processing effects on B5 content


Food Item	Processing Method	Approximate B5 Loss	Reference
Whole Grains	Milling into white flour	35-75%
Vegetables	Freezing and canning	Significant losses occur
Any Food Source	Heating (cooking)	15-75%
Fresh Foods	Minimal processing	Little to no loss

Conclusion

While vitamin B5 deficiency is rare, the subtle nature of its symptoms—such as fatigue, headaches, and numbness—can make it challenging to identify without proper medical guidance. By understanding the risk factors, including severe malnutrition, alcohol abuse, or certain genetic disorders, you can be proactive about your health. If you suspect a deficiency, consulting a healthcare professional for diagnosis through blood or urine tests is the correct course of action. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in unprocessed foods like meats, fish, and vegetables is the best way to prevent this condition and maintain overall nutritional health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary cause of pantothenic acid deficiency is severe malnutrition or starvation, as the vitamin is widely available in most food sources.

While an imbalanced or restricted diet can increase risk, vitamin B5 deficiency is very rare from diet alone because it is found in almost all plant and animal foods. It is more common when combined with other B vitamin deficiencies.

Burning feet syndrome is a term for the specific symptom of a burning sensation or numbness in the hands and feet, which can occur with severe pantothenic acid deficiency.

PKAN, or Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration, is a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from properly metabolizing pantothenic acid, leading to severe deficiency symptoms.

Vitamin B5 levels are not routinely tested but can be measured with specific blood or urine tests if a deficiency is suspected. These are typically done in a laboratory setting.

Excellent sources of vitamin B5 include organ meats (liver), mushrooms, sunflower seeds, avocados, chicken, salmon, and whole grains.

Yes, cooking and processing methods like heating and milling can destroy a significant portion of the vitamin B5 content in foods. It is a water-soluble and heat-sensitive vitamin.

High doses of supplemental pantothenic acid are generally considered safe, but extremely large amounts (10,000 mg/day) can cause mild gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and stomach upset.

Some medications may interfere with the absorption of B vitamins. It's always best to discuss any supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if you are on other medications.

Recovery time varies based on the severity of the deficiency and the individual. Treatment involves dietary changes and, if necessary, supplements under medical supervision.