What Does Pantothenic Do for Your Body? The Vital Functions of Vitamin B5

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

The name "pantothenic" comes from the Greek word "pantos," meaning everywhere, a testament to the fact that pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is found in nearly all living tissues. This ubiquity reflects its fundamental importance, as pantothenic acid plays a crucial and widespread role in your body's most essential functions, from converting food into fuel to supporting adrenal gland health.

Quick Summary

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is an indispensable, water-soluble nutrient required for synthesizing coenzyme A, which is central to energy metabolism. It helps the body produce hormones, manage cholesterol levels, and maintain healthy skin and nerve function.

Key Points

Metabolic Engine: Pantothenic acid is critical for converting the food you eat (fats, carbs, proteins) into usable energy.
Coenzyme A Synthesis: It is the essential precursor for coenzyme A, a molecule required for a vast number of metabolic reactions.
Hormone Production: The vitamin supports the synthesis of key hormones, including stress and sex hormones, in the adrenal glands.
Skin Health and Healing: Derivatives of B5 like dexpanthenol moisturize the skin and promote wound healing, making it a common ingredient in topical products.
Rare Deficiency: Because it is found in almost all foods, a deficiency is highly uncommon and typically only found in severe malnutrition.
Cholesterol Management: Some research suggests that the pantethine derivative of B5 may help manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels, though further study is needed.

The Master Regulator of Metabolism

At its core, the primary function of pantothenic acid in the body is to serve as a metabolic precursor for coenzyme A (CoA). This is a crucial molecule involved in a vast number of enzymatic reactions. As a result, pantothenic acid is instrumental in processing the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats you consume from food and converting them into usable energy. Without adequate pantothenic acid, these metabolic pathways would be significantly impaired, leading to a host of issues related to a lack of energy.

The Importance of Coenzyme A (CoA)

Coenzyme A acts as a carrier for acyl groups, particularly the two-carbon acetyl group. This allows it to participate in the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle), which is the body's main energy-producing system. The functions of CoA are not limited to just energy. It is also essential for the synthesis of many other vital compounds, including:

Fatty acids
Cholesterol
Steroid hormones (such as cortisol)
Neurotransmitters (like acetylcholine)
Porphyrins (part of hemoglobin)

Beyond Energy: Supporting Key Bodily Functions

While its role in metabolism is paramount, the impact of pantothenic acid extends to several other critical areas of health.

Hormonal Synthesis and Stress Response

Because pantothenic acid is necessary for the production of hormones, particularly those in the adrenal glands, it is sometimes referred to as an "anti-stress" vitamin. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing stress-related hormones like cortisol. In times of stress, the body requires higher amounts of pantothenic acid to support adrenal function. Though some popular claims about its stress-relieving properties may be overstated, its foundational role in hormone synthesis is well-documented.

The Role in Skin Health

In the form of dexpanthenol and panthenol, derivatives of pantothenic acid are widely used in cosmetics and skincare products. These ingredients help to attract and retain moisture in the skin, acting as a powerful humectant. In topical applications, pantothenic acid promotes wound healing, soothes irritated skin, and supports the skin's natural barrier. Research suggests it can be helpful for conditions like eczema, sunburn, and diaper rash.

Cardiovascular and Neurological Support

Some studies have explored the effect of pantethine, a derivative of pantothenic acid, on blood lipids. Research indicates that high doses of pantethine may help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, while potentially raising HDL ("good") cholesterol. While promising, more research is needed to solidify these findings. Furthermore, pantothenic acid supports the proper function of the nervous system, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters essential for nerve signaling.

Pantothenic Acid vs. Other B Vitamins

All B vitamins work together as a complex to support overall metabolic health, but each has a unique role. While pantothenic acid is primarily focused on the creation of coenzyme A and widespread metabolic pathways, other B vitamins have different specializations.


Feature	Pantothenic Acid (B5)	Biotin (B7)	Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Primary Metabolic Role	Precursor for Coenzyme A, central to energy metabolism of fats, carbs, and proteins.	Metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids; gene expression.	Production of red blood cells and maintaining neurological function.
Role in Hormones	Essential for synthesizing steroid and stress hormones.	Limited direct role in hormone production.	No direct role in steroid hormone synthesis.
Skin Benefits	Promotes wound healing and moisture retention, especially as dexpanthenol.	Associated with healthy skin, hair, and nails; deficiency is rare.	No specific skin benefits cited beyond general health.
Main Sources	Widespread in foods (avocado, meat, eggs, whole grains).	Eggs, liver, salmon, cheese.	Found naturally almost exclusively in animal products.

Food Sources and Deficiency

Because pantothenic acid is so abundant in a wide variety of foods, a deficiency is extremely rare in developed countries and is generally only seen in cases of severe malnutrition. The Adequate Intake (AI) for adults is 5mg per day, an amount easily obtained through a balanced diet.

Some of the best dietary sources include:

Organ meats (liver, kidney)
Avocado
Mushrooms
Fish (trout, salmon)
Dairy (yogurt, milk)
Eggs
Legumes (lentils, split peas)
Whole grains (oats, wheat)
Certain vegetables (broccoli, sweet potatoes)

Symptoms of deficiency, though uncommon, can include fatigue, irritability, headaches, digestive issues, and a rare symptom known as "burning feet syndrome".

Conclusion

Pantothenic acid is an essential and versatile nutrient that serves as a cornerstone of your body's metabolic processes. Its role as a building block for coenzyme A means it is vital for converting food into energy, synthesizing crucial hormones and cholesterol, and supporting a healthy nervous system. While severe deficiency is rare due to its widespread presence in a healthy diet, understanding what does pantothenic do for your body highlights its unassuming yet critical functions. Adequate intake supports overall health, energy levels, and even contributes to healthy skin. For those interested in deeper research, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements provides a comprehensive resource on this and other vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary function is to help synthesize coenzyme A (CoA). This molecule is central to the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, allowing your body to produce energy.

Pantothenic acid is required for the production of stress hormones in the adrenal glands. While this supports your body's natural response to stress, its role in directly managing stress symptoms is not as well-established in human studies as it is in traditional belief.

Yes, it is very likely. Pantothenic acid is widespread in almost all plant and animal foods, so a deficiency is very rare for individuals eating a balanced diet.

Rich sources include organ meats like liver, avocado, mushrooms, broccoli, eggs, whole grains, and dairy products like yogurt and milk.

Yes, its derivative dexpanthenol is used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and wound-healing properties. It helps soothe irritated skin and strengthen the skin barrier.

A deficiency is rare, but symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, headaches, numbness in the hands and feet, and digestive issues. In severe cases, a 'burning feet syndrome' can occur.

Some studies suggest that a derivative called pantethine may help lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. However, this effect is dose-dependent and typically requires medical supervision for high-dose supplementation.

Pantothenic acid is water-soluble, meaning excess amounts are excreted through urine, making toxicity from food very unlikely. Extremely high supplemental doses (10,000 mg/day or more) may lead to mild diarrhea.