What Does Vitamin B5 Do to the Body? A Deep Dive into its Health Roles

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

The name 'pantothenic acid,' or vitamin B5, originates from the Greek word 'pantos' meaning 'everywhere,' reflecting its wide distribution across almost all food sources. This essential, water-soluble nutrient plays an indispensable part in numerous fundamental bodily functions. Understanding what does vitamin B5 do to the body reveals its significance in maintaining overall health and well-being.

Quick Summary

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is crucial for converting food into energy by synthesizing coenzyme A. It is also vital for producing hormones and cholesterol, supporting a healthy nervous system, and maintaining skin and hair health. A balanced diet provides sufficient B5, making deficiency extremely rare.

Key Points

Energy Production: Vitamin B5 is converted into Coenzyme A, which is essential for metabolizing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy.
Hormone Synthesis: It is required for the production of crucial steroid hormones, including stress hormones (cortisol) and sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen).
Skin and Hair Health: A derivative, dexpanthenol, acts as a humectant, moisturizing the skin and hair, soothing irritation, and assisting in wound healing.
Nervous System Support: Vitamin B5 is involved in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is vital for proper nerve function.
Red Blood Cell Formation: It is necessary for creating red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Widespread Availability: Because pantothenic acid is found in nearly all food sources, deficiency is extremely rare.

The Role of Vitamin B5 in Energy Production and Metabolism

Central to what does vitamin B5 do to the body is its vital function in converting the food we eat into usable energy. It achieves this primarily through its conversion into Coenzyme A (CoA), a key molecule in the metabolic pathways that break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. CoA is indispensable for the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, which is fundamental to energy generation within cells. Sufficient vitamin B5 is therefore essential for preventing fatigue and ensuring proper metabolic function. CoA also plays a role in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol, which are important for cell structure.

Synthesis of Hormones and Other Vital Compounds

Vitamin B5 is important for the synthesis of various vital compounds in the body.

Adrenal and Sex Hormone Support

Vitamin B5 supports the production of steroid hormones. This includes stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, as well as sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. It is therefore important for the body's response to stress and maintaining hormonal balance. It is sometimes referred to as an “anti-stress vitamin”.

Neurotransmitter and Red Blood Cell Production

Vitamin B5 is also involved in the health of the nervous system. It contributes to the creation of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is crucial for memory and muscle control. Additionally, vitamin B5 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen. A deficiency can manifest as neurological symptoms like numbness or a burning sensation in the extremities.

How Vitamin B5 Supports Healthy Skin and Hair

Vitamin B5 is frequently used in topical products due to its beneficial effects on skin and hair. The form often used topically is dexpanthenol, which is known for its ability to hydrate and soothe.

Benefits for the skin

Hydration: As a humectant, dexpanthenol helps the skin retain moisture by supporting its natural barrier.
Healing: It promotes the growth of new cells and has anti-inflammatory effects that can assist in the healing of damaged or irritated skin.
Acne: There is some evidence to suggest that supplementing with vitamin B5 may help reduce acne.

Benefits for hair

Topical application of vitamin B5 can moisturize and strengthen hair by penetrating the hair shaft. This may contribute to improved hair texture and potentially reduce hair loss.

Dietary Sources and Daily Intake

Vitamin B5 is found in a wide variety of foods, making deficiency rare for individuals with a balanced diet. However, processing and cooking can reduce its content.

Some excellent sources include:

Meats (beef liver, poultry)
Fish (salmon, trout)
Dairy (milk, yogurt)
Eggs
Legumes (lentils, split peas)
Vegetables (broccoli, sweet potatoes, mushrooms)
Seeds (sunflower seeds)
Avocado

Oral vs. Topical Vitamin B5

The effects of vitamin B5 can differ depending on whether it is taken orally or applied topically.


Feature	Oral Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)	Topical Vitamin B5 (Dexpanthenol/Panthenol)
Primary Function	Acts as a precursor for Coenzyme A, important for metabolism and hormone synthesis.	Acts as a humectant and moisturizer, directly benefiting skin and hair.
Mechanism	Metabolized internally for cellular processes.	Absorbed through skin or hair to attract and retain moisture.
Key Benefits	Supports overall metabolism, red blood cell production, and hormone balance.	Hydrates skin, soothes irritation, aids healing, and strengthens hair.
Common Use	Addresses systemic nutritional needs, often in B-complex supplements.	Found in cosmetics to improve skin barrier and moisture.
Deficiency Risk	Deficiency is extremely rare and linked to severe malnutrition.	Does not treat systemic deficiency but improves local skin and hair issues.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of what does vitamin B5 do to the body reveals its fundamental importance in a variety of physiological processes. As a key component of Coenzyme A, it is essential for converting food into energy and synthesizing vital compounds. In topical form, as dexpanthenol, it offers significant benefits for skin and hair by providing moisture and supporting healing. A balanced and varied diet is typically sufficient to provide adequate vitamin B5. If considering supplementation, particularly at high doses, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. Further detailed information can be found through resources like the Linus Pauling Institute's article on Pantothenic Acid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deficiency in vitamin B5 is very rare, but in cases of severe malnutrition, it can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, headache, insomnia, irritability, nausea, and a burning sensation in the hands and feet.

Rich sources of vitamin B5 include beef liver, shiitake mushrooms, sunflower seeds, salmon, avocados, eggs, yogurt, and legumes. It is widely available in a balanced diet.

Yes, its derivative, dexpanthenol, is known for its humectant properties, helping to moisturize the skin and hair. It can also help with wound healing and soothe irritated skin.

Some studies suggest that vitamin B5 supplementation may help reduce facial acne and blemishes, though more research is needed to confirm these effects.

High doses of vitamin B5 are generally considered safe, but extremely large amounts (10–20 grams per day) may cause diarrhea. As a water-soluble vitamin, excess amounts are typically excreted in urine.

Yes, pantothenic acid is the scientific name for vitamin B5.

Vitamin B5 supports the adrenal glands in producing stress-related hormones like cortisol, which helps the body manage its stress response. This has led to it being nicknamed the “anti-stress vitamin”.

The adequate intake for adult males is 5.8 mg per day, and for adult females, it is 4.7 mg per day. A balanced diet is typically sufficient to meet these needs.