What is another name for B5? Exploring Pantothenic Acid and Its Importance

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

Small quantities of pantothenic acid are found in nearly every food, which is where it gets its name from the Greek word “pantos,” meaning “everywhere”. This widespread nutrient is also known as Vitamin B5 and is vital for numerous bodily functions.

Quick Summary

The nutrient known as Vitamin B5 is also called pantothenic acid. It is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in metabolic processes, energy production, and the synthesis of important hormones.

Key Points

Primary Name: Another name for B5 is pantothenic acid.
Key Function: It is critical for synthesizing coenzyme A, which is essential for metabolizing fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Widespread Source: The name "pantothenic" comes from the Greek word "everywhere," reflecting its presence in a huge variety of foods.
Role in Cosmetics: Derivatives like dexpanthenol (or panthenol) are used in skincare for moisturizing and wound healing.
Forms of Supplements: Pantethine, a derivative of pantothenic acid, is available as a supplement and has been studied for its potential to lower cholesterol.
Deficiency is Rare: Because it is so widely available in food, a B5 deficiency is uncommon unless there is severe malnutrition.

What Exactly Is Pantothenic Acid?

As the search results confirm, the most common alternative name for Vitamin B5 is pantothenic acid. This is a water-soluble vitamin that is a crucial component for human health. Found in almost all living cells, pantothenic acid's primary function is its role in the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA). CoA is an essential compound that helps enzymes build and break down fatty acids, carbohydrates, and proteins to convert them into energy. Beyond its metabolic role, pantothenic acid is a key player in the production of red blood cells, as well as sex and stress-related hormones manufactured in the adrenal glands. Its ubiquity in the food supply means that a deficiency is extremely rare in developed countries, typically only occurring in cases of severe malnutrition.

The Role of Coenzyme A and Beyond

The primary function of pantothenic acid hinges on its conversion into Coenzyme A. This is a central molecule in many metabolic pathways. Without sufficient CoA, the body cannot efficiently break down the food consumed for energy, affecting overall vitality and organ function. The importance of pantothenic acid extends to several other areas:

Energy Generation: Facilitates the conversion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into usable energy.
Hormone Production: Essential for the synthesis of hormones, including testosterone, and those related to stress.
Red Blood Cell Synthesis: Plays a role in the formation of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Cardiovascular Health: Some research suggests that derivatives of pantothenic acid, particularly pantethine, may help regulate cholesterol and triglyceride levels, though more study is needed.
Skin and Hair Health: Derivatives like dexpanthenol are widely used in cosmetics and topical products for their moisturizing and wound-healing properties.

Forms of B5: Pantothenic Acid vs. Derivatives

When discussing Vitamin B5, it's important to differentiate between pantothenic acid and its derivatives, which are often used in supplements and topical applications. While the body can convert these forms, they function differently and offer specific benefits.

Comparison of Pantothenic Acid Forms


Feature	Pantothenic Acid	Pantethine	Dexpanthenol (Panthenol)
Biological Form	The fundamental form, converted into Coenzyme A.	A more metabolically active dimer, closer to Coenzyme A.	The alcohol analog (provitamin) of pantothenic acid.
Common Use	Dietary supplement, found in multivitamins and B-complex formulas.	Used in high-dose supplements specifically for managing lipid levels.	Found in cosmetics and topical products for skin and hair health.
Effect on Lipids	Little to no effect shown on blood lipid levels.	Studies show potential to reduce LDL and triglycerides, and increase HDL.	None. Primarily a moisturizing and healing agent for skin.
Stability	Generally stable, often provided as calcium pantothenate for better stability.	Less stable than pantothenic acid, and can degrade over time.	Shelf-stable and converts to pantothenic acid when absorbed.

Excellent Food Sources of B5

As its name suggests, pantothenic acid is found in a wide array of foods. To ensure a healthy intake, it is recommended to consume a varied diet rich in unprocessed foods, as milling and processing can significantly reduce B5 content. Some of the best sources include:

Animal Proteins: Beef, pork, and poultry, especially organ meats like liver and kidneys.
Fish: Excellent sources include salmon and shellfish.
Whole Grains: Whole-grain breads and cereals are good sources, but refined products lose most of their B5 content.
Eggs and Dairy: Egg yolks, milk, and yogurt all contain pantothenic acid.
Legumes: Lentils, split peas, and chickpeas are great options.
Vegetables: Mushrooms (especially shiitake), sweet potatoes, avocado, and broccoli are all rich in B5.
Nuts and Seeds: Sunflower seeds and peanuts are valuable sources.

Symptoms of a Rare B5 Deficiency

While very uncommon, a deficiency in pantothenic acid can lead to several noticeable symptoms. These are often accompanied by other nutrient deficiencies due to severe malnutrition, which can make a specific diagnosis difficult. However, symptoms may include:

Numbness and burning in the hands and feet (paresthesia).
Headaches and extreme fatigue.
Restlessness and irritability.
Gastrointestinal issues, including stomach pain and diarrhea.
Muscle cramps and impaired muscle coordination.

Conclusion

In summary, the other name for B5 is pantothenic acid, an essential water-soluble vitamin. Its primary role is to create coenzyme A, a vital molecule for converting food into energy and for synthesizing hormones and red blood cells. Pantothenic acid is found in a wide variety of plant and animal foods, making deficiencies extremely rare. Understanding the differences between pantothenic acid and its derivatives, such as pantethine and dexpanthenol, is important, as each has specific applications in supplements and topical products. A balanced diet incorporating whole grains, meats, vegetables, and dairy should provide more than enough B5 for most individuals, supporting overall health and well-being. For more comprehensive details on this vital nutrient, the National Institutes of Health provides an extensive overview.

For more comprehensive information on this vital nutrient, the National Institutes of Health offers an extensive fact sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary function of pantothenic acid is to help synthesize coenzyme A (CoA). This compound is critical for metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to produce energy for the body.

Excellent food sources of Vitamin B5 include organ meats (like liver), beef, chicken, eggs, mushrooms, avocados, sweet potatoes, whole grains, and dairy products like milk and yogurt.

Yes. While pantethine is a derivative of pantothenic acid, it is a more metabolically active form. It has been specifically studied for its potential benefits in managing high cholesterol and triglycerides, an effect not typically associated with pantothenic acid itself.

Getting too much pantothenic acid from food is very difficult. However, taking excessively high doses of supplements (e.g., 10 grams per day) may lead to mild diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Yes, B5 is beneficial for skin health, particularly through its derivative dexpanthenol. Dexpanthenol is used in many cosmetic and skincare products for its moisturizing properties and ability to support the skin's natural healing processes.

B5 deficiency is rare but can cause symptoms such as numbness and burning in the hands and feet, fatigue, headache, restlessness, and digestive issues. These symptoms are often seen alongside other nutrient deficiencies.

Yes, food processing, such as milling grains or canning vegetables, can cause a significant loss of pantothenic acid. For maximum intake, it is best to eat fresh, whole, and unprocessed foods.