Is B5 the Same as B6? A Detailed Look at Two Crucial B Vitamins

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

While all B vitamins are crucial for converting food into energy, the idea that they are all identical is a common misconception. In fact, the answer to 'Is B5 the same as B6?' is a definitive no, as these two essential nutrients have distinct functions and properties within the body.

Quick Summary

This article explores the significant differences between Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) and Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), detailing their unique roles, sources, and health benefits to clarify that B5 is not interchangeable with B6.

Key Points

Distinct Nutrients: Vitamins B5 and B6 are not the same; they have different chemical structures and metabolic functions within the body.
Metabolic Pathways: B5 (Pantothenic Acid) primarily synthesizes Coenzyme A for fat, carb, and protein metabolism, while B6 (Pyridoxine) is key for amino acid metabolism.
Brain Health: B6 is heavily involved in the creation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, impacting mood and brain function.
Blood and Immunity: B6 is necessary for making hemoglobin and antibodies, supporting red blood cell formation and immune system health.
Water-Soluble: As water-soluble vitamins, both B5 and B6 need to be consumed regularly through diet or supplements as they are not stored in the body.
Toxicity Differences: High doses of B6 supplements can cause nerve damage, a risk not associated with B5, which is considered very safe even at high doses.

Is B5 the Same as B6?

Despite both being part of the B-complex family, vitamins B5 and B6 are distinct nutrients with unique roles in the body. They are not the same, and understanding their individual functions is important for optimizing your health.

The Function of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin vital for numerous metabolic processes. Its name reflects its ubiquitous presence in foods. A primary function of B5 is synthesizing coenzyme A (CoA), which is crucial for metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as synthesizing hormones and cholesterol.

Key roles of B5:

Energy Production: Aids in converting food to energy.
Hormone Synthesis: Involved in creating various hormones.
Cholesterol Metabolism: Supports cholesterol creation and breakdown.
Skin Health: Helps maintain skin hydration.

The Function of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 is a term encompassing six related compounds, with pyridoxine being a common form in supplements. The body utilizes its active form, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), in over 100 enzyme reactions, predominantly related to protein and amino acid metabolism.

Key roles of B6:

Amino Acid Metabolism: Facilitates protein breakdown.
Neurotransmitter Synthesis: Essential for producing brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, influencing mood.
Red Blood Cell Formation: Supports the production of hemoglobin.
Immune Function: Aids in creating antibodies.

B5 vs. B6: A Comparative Overview


Feature	Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Primary Role	Synthesis of coenzyme A for fat, carb, and protein metabolism.	Coenzyme in over 100 reactions, mainly protein and amino acid metabolism.
Key Functions	Energy production, hormone synthesis, cholesterol metabolism, skin moisture.	Neurotransmitter synthesis, red blood cell formation, immune function, mood regulation.
Key Metabolite	Coenzyme A (CoA).	Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP).
Best Food Sources	Organ meats, fish, avocados, mushrooms, dairy.	Chickpeas, salmon, tuna, potatoes, bananas.
Notable Deficiency Symptoms	Rare, can include burning feet, fatigue.	Microcytic anemia, dermatitis, depression.
Risk of Toxicity	Very low, can cause GI upset.	Potential for nerve damage at very high doses.

Food Sources of B5 and B6

Common Food Sources for B5

Organ Meats: Liver is a rich source.
Avocados: A good plant-based source.
Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms are notable.
Broccoli and Potatoes: Provide moderate amounts.

Common Food Sources for B6

Poultry and Fish: Salmon and tuna are excellent sources.
Chickpeas: A versatile source.
Potatoes: Provide a significant amount.
Bananas: A popular source.
Fortified Cereals: Many cereals are fortified.

A Shared Water-Soluble Nature

Both B5 and B6 are water-soluble vitamins. This means they dissolve in water and are not significantly stored in the body. Excess amounts are usually excreted in urine, necessitating regular intake from diet or supplements.

Conclusion

To answer "Is B5 the same as B6?", the answer is no. While both are B vitamins crucial for metabolism, they possess distinct chemical structures and unique biological roles. B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is key for Coenzyme A synthesis and metabolizing fats and carbs, while B6 (Pyridoxine) is vital for amino acid metabolism, brain function, and red blood cell production. A balanced intake of various B vitamins through diet or a B-complex supplement ensures support for all these essential functions.

Explore the benefits and differences of other B vitamins on the official NIH website.

The takeaway:

Not Identical: B5 and B6 are distinct B vitamins with different chemical structures and biological functions.
B5's Key Role: Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is essential for creating Coenzyme A, a molecule vital for metabolizing fats, carbs, and proteins.
B6's Key Role: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is crucial for amino acid metabolism, forming hemoglobin, and synthesizing neurotransmitters that regulate mood.
Water-Soluble: Both vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they are not stored in the body and need to be replenished regularly.
Different Sources: B5 is plentiful in organ meats, mushrooms, and avocados, while B6 is abundant in chickpeas, salmon, and potatoes.
Risk of Toxicity: High supplemental doses of B6 can lead to nerve damage, whereas B5 has a very low risk of toxicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not take B5 instead of B6. They perform different functions in the body, and substituting one for the other would lead to a deficiency of the missing vitamin.

The primary difference lies in their metabolic roles. B5 is crucial for synthesizing Coenzyme A, which drives energy production from fats, carbs, and proteins. B6, however, is essential for amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hemoglobin formation.

Severe deficiencies in B5 and B6 are uncommon in developed countries due to their widespread availability in food. However, certain health conditions or a consistently poor diet can increase the risk of a deficiency.

While both contribute to overall skin health, B5 (in the form of dexpanthenol) is particularly noted for its role in maintaining skin's moisture levels and supporting wound healing. B6 also supports healthy skin by helping to manage inflammation.

Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, gets its name from the Greek word for 'everywhere' because it is found in virtually all plant and animal foods. B6 is also widely available, but B5 is considered more ubiquitous.

Yes, both B5 and B6 are typically included in B-complex supplements, which are designed to provide a balanced intake of all the essential B vitamins.

Taking very high doses of B6 supplements over a prolonged period can cause nerve damage. B5, on the other hand, is very safe, with very large doses only potentially causing mild gastrointestinal issues.