Nutrition Diet: What Does Lack of Vitamin B5 Cause?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

While vitamin B5 deficiency is extremely rare due to its widespread presence in a variety of foods, severe malnutrition or certain genetic conditions can lead to a lack of this essential nutrient. This is why understanding what does lack of vitamin B5 cause? is vital for recognizing and addressing potential health complications.

Quick Summary

A vitamin B5 deficiency, though uncommon, can lead to symptoms including fatigue, irritability, headaches, digestive issues, and the distinct burning feet syndrome, often resulting from impaired metabolic functions.

Key Points

Rare Condition: A lack of vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is extremely uncommon, typically only occurring with severe malnutrition or specific genetic issues.
Burning Feet Syndrome: A defining symptom of severe B5 deficiency is a burning or tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Metabolic Disruption: Deficiency impairs energy conversion from food, leading to fatigue, weakness, and gastrointestinal problems.
Neurological Effects: Inadequate B5 levels can cause headaches, irritability, insomnia, and loss of muscle coordination.
Broad Functions: As a precursor to coenzyme A, vitamin B5 is vital for synthesizing hormones, fatty acids, and neurotransmitters.
Dietary Prevention: The best strategy to prevent deficiency is consuming a varied diet rich in fresh, whole foods like meat, vegetables, and legumes.
Supplementation: In rare, severe cases, supplements may be recommended, but consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial.

The Crucial Role of Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for many vital bodily functions. Its primary role is to serve as a precursor for coenzyme A (CoA), a critical molecule for numerous enzymatic reactions.

CoA is involved in:

Converting food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) into usable energy.
Synthesizing and metabolizing fatty acids.
Synthesizing cholesterol, steroid hormones, and neurotransmitters like acetylcholine.
Producing hemoglobin and metabolizing vitamins A and D.
Supporting healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver function.

Because of its ubiquitous role in metabolism, a severe deficiency in vitamin B5 can disrupt these processes, leading to a range of systemic symptoms. Since it's water-soluble, the body does not store it, requiring a consistent daily intake from dietary sources.

What Does Lack of Vitamin B5 Cause? A Look at the Symptoms

For those with severe malnutrition or specific genetic issues like Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN), a vitamin B5 deficiency can present with a constellation of symptoms. These are often difficult to isolate, as deficiencies in other B vitamins usually occur simultaneously.

Neurological and Psychological Symptoms

Fatigue and Tiredness: As vitamin B5 is critical for energy production, a lack of it can cause profound tiredness and weakness.
Headaches and Irritability: Patients with a deficiency may experience frequent headaches, coupled with increased irritability and restlessness.
Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances: The deficiency can disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Paresthesia: A distinct and often reported symptom is the 'burning feet syndrome,' characterized by numbness and a burning or tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Impaired Coordination: Some individuals may experience muscle cramps and difficulty with muscle coordination.

Digestive and Metabolic Symptoms

Gastrointestinal Issues: A lack of pantothenic acid can cause abdominal pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite (anorexia).
Impaired Metabolism: Disrupted energy metabolism affects the entire body, potentially impacting glucose regulation and leading to weakness.

Dermatological and Other Manifestations

Skin Problems: Symptoms can extend to the skin, with potential dryness, irritation, and, in some cases, acne. Pantothenic acid is known for its role in maintaining healthy skin.
Weakened Immune System: The body's immune response can be compromised, leading to a heightened susceptibility to infections.

Causes of Vitamin B5 Deficiency

While rare, several factors can contribute to a deficiency:

Severe Malnutrition: This is the most common cause, especially in cases of extreme and prolonged dietary deprivation.
Genetic Disorders: Certain rare genetic conditions, such as Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN), disrupt the body's ability to metabolize vitamin B5, leading to severe deficiency symptoms.
Alcoholism: Chronic alcohol consumption can interfere with nutrient absorption and deplete vitamin stores.
Certain Medications: The long-term use of specific medications, such as some oral contraceptives, may increase the risk of depleting B vitamin levels.

Comparison of Deficiency Symptoms

To differentiate between a general lack of nutrients and a specific vitamin B5 deficiency, here is a comparison table outlining key indicators. Note that a lack of B5 is often part of a broader nutritional deficit.


Symptom	Typical Manifestation in Vitamin B5 Deficiency	Typical Manifestation in General Malnutrition
Fatigue	Profound tiredness due to impaired energy conversion from food.	Generalized weakness and lethargy from inadequate calorie and nutrient intake.
Paresthesia	Distinct numbness and a burning sensation, especially in the feet, known as burning feet syndrome.	May involve generalized tingling or weakness, but the intense burning is characteristic of B5 deficiency.
Gastrointestinal Issues	Abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of appetite specifically linked to metabolic dysfunction.	Nausea, loss of appetite, or general stomach upset, often tied to a broader lack of nutrients.
Irritability	Personality changes and heightened irritability, potentially due to impaired neurotransmitter synthesis.	Mood swings and low mood due to overall poor health and stress.
Dermatological Problems	Dry, irritated skin, sometimes involving acne, linked to disrupted skin metabolism.	General poor skin health, dryness, and vulnerability to infections.

Dietary Prevention and Treatment

The best way to prevent a vitamin B5 deficiency is to consume a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. Since pantothenic acid is found in nearly all foods, a varied and healthy diet is typically sufficient.

Excellent Food Sources of Vitamin B5

Animal Products: Liver and kidney are exceptionally high in B5, along with beef, chicken, eggs, and salmon.
Vegetables: Mushrooms (especially shiitake), avocados, sweet potatoes, and broccoli are great sources.
Legumes and Grains: Lentils, chickpeas, and whole grains like oats and brown rice contain significant amounts.
Dairy: Milk and yogurt also contribute to your daily intake.

The Impact of Food Processing

It is important to note that significant amounts of vitamin B5 can be lost during food processing, including milling, freezing, and canning. Therefore, opting for fresh, whole, unprocessed foods and cooking methods that don't involve prolonged boiling can help preserve the vitamin content.

Supplements and Professional Guidance

For those diagnosed with a deficiency or specific conditions affecting absorption, supplementation with pantothenic acid may be necessary. It is often recommended to take a B-complex supplement to maintain the balance of other B vitamins. Any supplement regimen should be discussed with a healthcare professional to ensure proper dosage and to rule out potential interactions with other medications.

Conclusion

While a deficiency in pantothenic acid is rare, understanding what does lack of vitamin B5 cause? reveals its critical role in metabolic and neurological health. The associated symptoms, including fatigue, neurological disturbances like burning feet syndrome, and digestive issues, underscore the importance of a balanced diet. By prioritizing fresh, whole foods rich in vitamin B5, and seeking professional advice when needed, individuals can ensure they maintain adequate levels of this vital nutrient to support overall well-being.

For more detailed information on vitamin B5, consult reliable resources such as the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheets, which provide a comprehensive overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, irritability, insomnia, digestive issues like stomach pain, muscle cramps, and a burning sensation in the feet.

No, a deficiency in vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is very rare because the vitamin is present in a wide variety of foods. It usually only occurs in cases of severe malnutrition or specific genetic disorders.

Burning feet syndrome is a condition characterized by a burning or tingling sensation in the hands and feet. It is a known symptom of severe pantothenic acid deficiency.

Vitamin B5 is crucial for converting food into energy by forming coenzyme A. A deficiency impairs this process, leading to symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and low energy.

Excellent food sources include meat (liver, beef, poultry), fish (salmon), eggs, dairy, whole grains, and a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, avocados, and sweet potatoes.

Processing and refining foods, such as canning or milling grains, can cause significant losses of vitamin B5. This is why a diet focused on processed foods is less likely to provide adequate amounts.

Supplements are typically considered only when a true deficiency has been diagnosed, or in specific cases of malabsorption or genetic disorders. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation.

Yes, high doses of vitamin B5 can potentially interact with some medications, including antibiotics. Always consult a healthcare provider to ensure safety, especially if you have other health conditions or are on existing medication.