Vitamin B5: What's Another Name for Pantothenic Acid?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, pantothenic acid is an essential nutrient found in nearly all foods of both plant and animal origin. Also known as vitamin B5, pantothenic acid plays a crucial role in converting food into energy, synthesizing coenzyme A, and supporting various metabolic functions.

Quick Summary

The most common alternate name for pantothenic acid is Vitamin B5. This B-complex vitamin is water-soluble and vital for energy metabolism and hormone synthesis. It is widely available in many foods, with derivatives like calcium pantothenate and panthenol also serving as sources in supplements and cosmetics.

Key Points

Alternate Name: Pantothenic acid is most commonly known by its alternate name, Vitamin B5.
Energy Metabolism: This water-soluble vitamin is crucial for converting food (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) into usable energy.
Coenzyme A: Pantothenic acid is essential for synthesizing coenzyme A, a vital molecule involved in numerous metabolic reactions.
Derivative Forms: Derivatives like calcium pantothenate and panthenol are used in supplements and cosmetics for their stability and bioavailability.
Widespread Availability: Its name, from the Greek for 'from everywhere,' reflects its presence in nearly all foods, making deficiency extremely rare in balanced diets.
Health Benefits: Beyond energy production, it supports red blood cell production, hormone synthesis, and nervous system function.
Dietary Intake: Good sources include organ meats, avocado, mushrooms, eggs, and whole grains, though processing can reduce content.

Vitamin B5: The Alternate Name for Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for human health, and its most common alternative name is vitamin B5. The name 'pantothenic' is derived from the Greek word 'pantos', which means 'from everywhere,' a fitting description as this vitamin is found in nearly all types of foods. It is a critical component for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA), a vital molecule for many biochemical reactions in the body. These reactions are fundamental to the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, converting them into usable energy for the body.

The Roles of Pantothenic Acid in the Body

Beyond its core function in energy metabolism, pantothenic acid contributes to several other important physiological processes. It plays a significant role in producing red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Furthermore, it is involved in the synthesis of hormones, including sex hormones and stress-related hormones produced in the adrenal glands. The vitamin also supports the health of the nervous system, liver function, and the digestive tract.

Common Derivatives of Pantothenic Acid

While pantothenic acid is the primary name, there are several related compounds often found in dietary supplements and products. These derivatives are used because they are more stable than the acid form itself, ensuring a longer shelf life.

Calcium Pantothenate: This is a synthetic salt compound formed by combining pantothenic acid with calcium. It is the most common form of vitamin B5 used in multivitamin supplements and fortified foods because of its excellent chemical stability. Once ingested, the body can easily break down calcium pantothenate to release pantothenic acid for use.
Panthenol: Also known as pantothenyl alcohol, panthenol is a provitamin of B5 that is frequently used in cosmetics and personal care products like skin and hair conditioners. It is known for its moisturizing properties and ability to help repair damaged skin and hair. When applied topically or ingested, the body converts it into pantothenic acid.
Pantethine: A derivative formed by linking two pantothenic acid molecules, pantethine is sometimes used therapeutically in higher doses. Some research suggests it may help lower blood lipids and cholesterol levels, though its long-term effects still require further study.

Food Sources of Pantothenic Acid

Because of its ubiquitous nature, pantothenic acid deficiency is extremely rare in individuals consuming a balanced diet. A wide variety of foods, from meats and vegetables to grains and dairy, contain this essential nutrient. However, some foods are particularly rich sources:

Organ meats (liver and kidney)
Beef and chicken
Eggs and milk
Whole grains, such as whole wheat and oats
Legumes and lentils
Mushrooms (especially shiitake)
Avocado
Sweet potatoes and broccoli

Food processing can cause a significant loss of pantothenic acid, with up to 75% being lost during cooking, depending on the method. Freezing and canning also lead to losses. Therefore, consuming fresh, unprocessed foods is the best way to ensure an adequate intake.

Comparison: D-Calcium Pantothenate vs. Pantothenic Acid


Feature	D-Calcium Pantothenate	Pantothenic Acid
Chemical Form	A synthetic, stable salt compound with calcium.	The natural, unstable organic acid form of the vitamin.
Stability	Very stable, making it ideal for supplements with long shelf lives.	Unstable, and can degrade when exposed to heat, light, or acid.
Common Use	Found in most dietary supplements and fortified foods.	Less common in supplements due to its instability.
Absorption	Easily broken down in the body into pantothenic acid for use.	The free acid is absorbed directly from the intestine.
Source	Produced synthetically for commercial purposes.	Found naturally in nearly all plants and animals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you hear the name vitamin B5, you can be confident that the person is referring to pantothenic acid. While the name may change based on its form (such as calcium pantothenate in a supplement or panthenol in a moisturizer), its role as a vital nutrient for energy production and overall metabolic health remains constant. Ensuring a diet rich in diverse, unprocessed foods is the best way to maintain healthy levels of this essential vitamin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pantothenic acid is the scientific name for vitamin B5. They are the same water-soluble nutrient and are often used interchangeably.

The primary function of pantothenic acid is to help the body convert food into energy by assisting in the formation of coenzyme A, which is essential for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Calcium pantothenate is a synthetic and more stable form of pantothenic acid, commonly used in multivitamin and dietary supplements to ensure a longer shelf life.

Vitamin B5 is found in a wide variety of foods, but particularly rich sources include organ meats (like liver and kidney), avocado, eggs, mushrooms, and whole grains.

No, pantothenic acid deficiency is very rare in humans, as the vitamin is so widely distributed in food sources. Cases typically only occur in individuals with severe malnutrition.

Food processing methods like milling, freezing, and canning can significantly reduce the pantothenic acid content of foods. For example, milling whole grains removes a large amount of the vitamin.

Panthenol is a provitamin of B5, an alcohol analog of pantothenic acid. It is used in cosmetics for skin and hair health, where the body converts it into pantothenic acid.