Which B Vitamin Is Pantothenate (B5)? A Complete Guide

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Pantothenate is the chemical name for Vitamin B5, an essential water-soluble vitamin involved in a wide array of metabolic functions. While a deficiency is rare in industrialized countries, understanding its function is crucial for overall health and energy production.

Quick Summary

Pantothenate is another name for Vitamin B5, an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in energy production and the synthesis of coenzyme A. It is widely distributed in many foods, making deficiency uncommon.

Key Points

Pantothenate is Vitamin B5: Pantothenate is another name for pantothenic acid, which is officially known as Vitamin B5.
Key to Energy Metabolism: It plays a crucial role in converting fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into energy for the body.
Forms Coenzyme A (CoA): Vitamin B5 is an essential component for the synthesis of coenzyme A, a vital molecule in many metabolic pathways.
Widely Distributed in Food: Its name derives from the Greek word for 'everywhere,' reflecting its presence in a vast array of plant and animal foods.
Deficiency is Uncommon: Because it is so widespread in the food supply, a deficiency is rare in healthy individuals.
Supports Hormone Synthesis: Pantothenic acid is necessary for the production of hormones, including those made in the adrenal glands.
Benefits Skin and Hair: Derivatives of Vitamin B5, such as dexpanthenol, are often used in cosmetic products for their moisturizing and healing properties.

Understanding Pantothenate: A Closer Look at Vitamin B5

Pantothenate, more commonly known as pantothenic acid or vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin that is indispensable for human health. The name 'pantothenic' is derived from the Greek word 'pantos,' meaning 'everywhere,' which accurately reflects its widespread presence in both plant and animal foods. Its primary function revolves around energy metabolism, as it is a key component of coenzyme A (CoA), a vital molecule involved in numerous metabolic processes.

The Core Functions of Vitamin B5

As a foundational component of CoA and acyl carrier protein (ACP), pantothenic acid is involved in several critical biological pathways. CoA is essential for the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids, the generation of energy from carbohydrates and proteins, and the synthesis of steroids, hormones, and cholesterol. ACP's main role is specifically in the synthesis of fatty acids. Beyond these metabolic functions, Vitamin B5 is also essential for a healthy digestive tract, proper nervous system function, and the creation of red blood cells.

Energy Production: Aids in converting fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into usable energy by forming coenzyme A.
Synthesis of Key Compounds: Crucial for producing cholesterol, hormones, and red blood cells.
Metabolism of Fats: Plays a central role in both the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids.
Neurological Health: Supports the proper function of the nervous system.
Adrenal Support: Assists in the formation of adrenal hormones, important for stress response.

Comparing Different Forms of Pantothenic Acid

While the term pantothenate refers to the salt form of pantothenic acid, several related compounds are used in supplements and products. Each has a slightly different chemical structure and use, but all are related to vitamin B5.


Feature	D-Pantothenic Acid (or Pantothenate)	Pantethine	Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
Description	The biologically active, natural form of Vitamin B5.	A dimer of pantetheine, derived from pantothenic acid.	The alcohol analog of D-pantothenic acid.
Primary Use	Dietary supplement for preventing or treating B5 deficiency.	Used in high-dose supplements to study effects on lipid levels.	Often used in cosmetics and skincare for its moisturizing properties.
Effectiveness	Highly effective for standard B5 supplementation.	Some evidence suggests it may help lower cholesterol levels.	Effective for moisturizing and promoting skin healing when applied topically.

The Rarity of Deficiency

Due to its ubiquitous presence in a diverse range of foods, a dietary deficiency of pantothenic acid is very uncommon. It is so widely available that the name is derived from the Greek word for 'everywhere'. However, severe malnutrition or certain rare genetic conditions, such as pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), can lead to a deficiency. Symptoms of a significant lack of vitamin B5 may include fatigue, headaches, irritability, numbness or burning sensations in the hands and feet, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues.

Food Sources and Daily Intake

Obtaining sufficient pantothenic acid from food is generally straightforward for anyone with a varied diet. The recommended daily intake for adults is 5 mg, with slightly higher amounts for pregnant (6 mg) and lactating (7 mg) women. Food processing can reduce the pantothenic acid content, so consuming a variety of whole, unprocessed foods is recommended.

Rich food sources of pantothenic acid include:

Beef, poultry, and organ meats (liver, kidney)
Eggs and milk
Whole grains, such as whole wheat and oats
Mushrooms, especially shiitake
Avocados and broccoli
Legumes and lentils
Peanuts and sunflower seeds

Potential Supplementation and Considerations

For those who may not meet their needs through diet, vitamin B5 is available as a standalone supplement, as part of a B-complex vitamin, or in multivitamin/mineral products. While very high doses (up to 10,000 mg) have not shown significant toxicity, they can cause mild diarrhea and stomach upset. It's always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting high-dose supplementation. The good news is that most people can easily meet their requirements by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. It's the 'everywhere' vitamin for a reason.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pantothenate is the scientific name for Vitamin B5, an essential and water-soluble nutrient vital for numerous bodily functions. From its foundational role in converting food into energy to its involvement in synthesizing critical hormones and supporting a healthy nervous system, its importance cannot be overstated. By focusing on a balanced and diverse diet rich in whole foods, most people can easily obtain the required amount of this crucial B vitamin. While deficiencies are exceptionally rare, understanding the signs and symptoms can be beneficial for those with specific health considerations. Keeping an eye on your nutritional intake ensures you're getting enough of this 'everywhere' vitamin for optimal health and vitality. For more information on dietary needs, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements provides comprehensive fact sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pantothenate is simply the salt form of pantothenic acid. In dietary supplements, Vitamin B5 is often found in the form of calcium pantothenate because of its improved stability.

Excellent food sources of pantothenate (Vitamin B5) include beef, poultry, organ meats, eggs, milk, whole grains, mushrooms, avocados, and legumes.

Pantothenic acid is considered safe, and no Tolerable Upper Intake Level has been established. However, excessively high doses (e.g., 10 grams per day) have been reported to cause mild diarrhea.

A related compound, dexpanthenol, is commonly added to cosmetics and skincare products for its moisturizing effects. While not directly pantothenic acid, it is a derivative and beneficial for skin health.

Vitamin B5 is crucial for energy because it is needed to create coenzyme A (CoA). CoA is an enzyme helper molecule that helps break down fats, carbs, and proteins to fuel the body's energy production.

For most people consuming a balanced and varied diet, supplements are not necessary due to the vitamin's widespread availability in food. However, in cases of confirmed deficiency or specific medical conditions, a supplement may be advised by a healthcare provider.

Symptoms of a rare Vitamin B5 deficiency can include fatigue, headaches, irritability, restlessness, tingling or burning sensations in the hands and feet, and gastrointestinal distress.