Is Vitamin B5 the Same as Pantothenic Acid? Your Definitive Nutritional Guide

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

The human body contains a small reserve of vitamin B5 and, because it's water-soluble, must be consumed regularly. This essential micronutrient is also known by its scientific name, pantothenic acid, and is crucial for numerous metabolic functions within the body.

Quick Summary

Vitamin B5 and pantothenic acid are the same essential water-soluble nutrient, vital for energy conversion, metabolism, and synthesizing hormones. It's found in a wide variety of foods, making deficiency extremely rare. Supplements often use stable derivatives like calcium pantothenate.

Key Points

Identity: Vitamin B5 is scientifically known as pantothenic acid; they refer to the same essential nutrient.
Metabolic Role: It is vital for converting food (carbs, fats, proteins) into energy by synthesizing Coenzyme A (CoA).
Diverse Functions: B5 supports the synthesis of hormones, neurotransmitters, and red blood cells, and helps maintain healthy skin and hair.
Wide Availability: Its name comes from the Greek for "everywhere," and it is found in almost all foods, making deficiency rare.
Supplement Forms: Supplements often contain D-calcium pantothenate, a stable synthetic form of the vitamin.
Adequate Intake: The recommended intake for adults is 5 mg per day, easily met through a balanced diet.
Safety: High doses are generally well-tolerated, with very large amounts potentially causing only mild gastrointestinal distress.

The Identity of Vitamin B5 and Pantothenic Acid

Yes, vitamin B5 and pantothenic acid are exactly the same substance. Pantothenic acid is the chemical name for vitamin B5, much like ascorbic acid is the chemical name for vitamin C. The name itself offers a clue to its ubiquitous nature; it comes from the Greek word “pantos,” meaning “everywhere”. This is because small quantities of pantothenic acid are found in virtually all living plant and animal cells.

Since its isolation in 1931, the understanding of this nutrient has grown, and its identity as an essential coenzyme has been solidified. In food, about 85% of pantothenic acid exists in the form of coenzyme A (CoA) or acyl carrier protein (ACP), which are then broken down by enzymes during digestion to be absorbed as free pantothenic acid.

The Vital Functions of Pantothenic Acid

As a crucial component of CoA and ACP, pantothenic acid plays a central role in a multitude of biological processes. Its functions extend far beyond simple energy production, touching many vital systems in the body:

Energy Metabolism: It is a key player in converting the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins you eat into usable energy for your cells. This is primarily achieved through its role in forming CoA, which is essential for the citric acid cycle.
Hormone and Neurotransmitter Synthesis: Pantothenic acid is required for the synthesis of important hormones, such as sex and stress-related hormones (like cortisol) produced in the adrenal glands. It also plays a role in producing acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter.
Healthy Skin and Hair: The vitamin supports the synthesis of fatty acids and cell membranes, which are vital for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. This is why derivatives like dexpanthenol are often found in cosmetic products for their moisturizing properties.
Red Blood Cell Formation: It is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Cholesterol Management: The derivative pantethine has shown promise in some studies for its ability to help manage high cholesterol and triglycerides, though more research is needed.

Different Forms of Vitamin B5

While pantothenic acid is the active form, supplements often use a more stable derivative to ensure product longevity. The most common form is D-calcium pantothenate.

D-Pantothenic Acid: The natural, biologically active form of the vitamin.
D-Calcium Pantothenate: A salt formed by combining D-pantothenic acid with calcium. This makes it more stable and less susceptible to degradation from heat, light, or acid. It is easily converted to pantothenic acid in the body.
Pantethine: A derivative of pantothenic acid that is studied for its potential benefits in managing cholesterol levels.
Panthenol (Dexpanthenol): An alcohol analog of pantothenic acid often used topically in skin and hair products for its moisturizing and healing properties.

Comparison of Different B5 Forms


Feature	Pantothenic Acid	D-Calcium Pantothenate	Pantethine	Dexpanthenol (Panthenol)
Nature	Natural, biologically active form	Synthetic, stable salt form	Derivative of pantothenic acid	Alcohol analog of pantothenic acid
Stability	Unstable, degraded by heat and acid	Highly stable, ideal for supplements	Stable, used for specific health purposes	Stable, used in topical applications
Role in Body	Acts as the foundational component for CoA	Converted to pantothenic acid for use	May help manage cholesterol and lipids	Converts to pantothenic acid in the body, used topically for skin
Typical Use	Found naturally in foods	Standard form in multivitamins	Specialized supplement for lipid support	Topical creams and hair products

Food Sources Rich in Vitamin B5

Because pantothenic acid is so widespread, a deficiency is exceptionally rare in developed countries where malnutrition is not a primary concern. However, some foods contain higher concentrations than others. Here is a list of excellent dietary sources of vitamin B5:

Animal Products: Beef and chicken (especially organ meats like liver), eggs, and milk.
Plant-Based: Mushrooms, avocados, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and corn.
Legumes and Grains: Legumes (like lentils and split peas), sunflower seeds, and whole grains.

Symptoms of Pantothenic Acid Deficiency

Isolated pantothenic acid deficiency is not well documented. Most known cases have occurred in individuals with severe malnutrition, often alongside other B vitamin deficiencies. However, based on volunteer studies and historical cases, potential symptoms include:

Fatigue and irritability
Numbness and burning of the hands and feet (paresthesia)
Headaches and restlessness
Sleep disturbances and insomnia
Gastrointestinal distress, such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting

Is there a recommended daily intake?

The Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine established an Adequate Intake (AI) level for pantothenic acid, as there is insufficient data to set a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). For adults, the AI is 5 mg per day. The requirements increase slightly during pregnancy (6 mg/day) and lactation (7 mg/day).

Is it possible to have too much?

Pantothenic acid is considered safe and non-toxic, and there is no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). Extremely high doses (around 10 g or 10,000 mg) can cause mild side effects like diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset, but no other serious side effects have been reported.

Conclusion

To definitively answer the question, yes, vitamin B5 is the same as pantothenic acid. These terms are used interchangeably to refer to the same essential water-soluble nutrient. Its key function revolves around the synthesis of coenzyme A, a vital molecule for energy production and numerous metabolic pathways. While the vitamin is widely available in many plant and animal foods, supplemental forms like D-calcium pantothenate provide a more stable option for dietary fortification. Maintaining a balanced and varied diet is generally sufficient to meet the body's needs for this indispensable vitamin, making deficiency a very rare occurrence.

For more detailed nutritional information, consult a reliable source like the NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, vitamin B5 and pantothenic acid are the same essential water-soluble nutrient. Pantothenic acid is simply the chemical name for vitamin B5.

The primary function is to help your body create Coenzyme A (CoA), which is crucial for converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food into energy.

Pantothenic acid is widespread, but rich sources include liver, eggs, milk, mushrooms, avocado, whole grains, and legumes like lentils.

A pantothenic acid deficiency is very rare but can cause symptoms like fatigue, numbness, headaches, and sleep problems. It usually occurs alongside other nutrient deficiencies.

It is difficult to consume too much pantothenic acid through diet alone, and no serious toxicity has been reported. Very high doses from supplements may cause mild diarrhea.

Calcium pantothenate is a stable synthetic salt form of pantothenic acid commonly used in dietary supplements. It is readily converted to pantothenic acid in the body.

Yes, vitamin B5 is important for healthy skin, and its alcohol derivative, panthenol, is a common ingredient in topical skin products for its moisturizing and healing properties.