Which disease is caused due to the lack of vitamin B5?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is so named from the Greek word "pantou," meaning "from everywhere," because it is found in almost all foods. This widespread availability makes a deficiency extremely rare, but when it does occur, it can cause a range of serious health issues, including a specific disease known as "burning feet syndrome".

Quick Summary

A lack of vitamin B5 can lead to 'burning feet syndrome' characterized by neuropathy symptoms. In extremely rare genetic cases, it can cause Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN), a severe disorder affecting the central nervous system.

Key Points

Burning Feet Syndrome: A painful, nerve-related condition known as 'burning feet syndrome' was historically linked to severe vitamin B5 deficiency from malnutrition.
Rare Genetic Disorder: The most severe form of vitamin B5 deficiency is Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN), a rare genetic disorder affecting the central nervous system.
Key Role in Metabolism: Vitamin B5 is crucial for energy metabolism and the synthesis of coenzyme A, a vital molecule for converting food into energy.
Deficiency is Uncommon: A deficiency of pantothenic acid is exceptionally rare in the general population due to its widespread availability in many foods.
Overlap with Other Deficiencies: Symptoms of vitamin B5 deficiency, such as fatigue, irritability, and sleep disturbances, can overlap with other B vitamin deficiencies, making diagnosis difficult.

Burning Feet Syndrome: A Historical Deficiency

Historically, one of the most prominent diseases associated with a severe lack of vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is a condition known as burning feet syndrome. While this deficiency is exceptionally uncommon in developed countries with adequate food supplies, it has been observed in populations experiencing severe malnutrition, such as prisoners of war during World War II. The condition is characterized by a painful, burning sensation, tingling, and numbness in the feet and lower extremities. These symptoms are related to peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. In cases where malnutrition is the root cause, supplementing with vitamin B5 has been shown to alleviate these symptoms.

Genetic Link: Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN)

Beyond severe malnutrition, a hereditary condition known as Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN) is the most significant disease caused by the inability to utilize vitamin B5 properly. This is an uncommon genetic disorder affecting the central nervous system, and it is caused by a mutation in the PANK2 gene. The gene is responsible for producing the enzyme pantothenate kinase, which is essential for metabolizing vitamin B5. When this enzyme is defective, it disrupts the biosynthesis of coenzyme A (CoA), which is critical for energy and lipid metabolism. The disorder manifests with progressive involuntary movements, muscle stiffness (spasticity), speech problems, and dementia-like symptoms. Iron accumulation in the brain is also a hallmark of PKAN.

Other Consequences of Hypovitaminosis B5

While definitive diseases are rare, a general deficiency (hypovitaminosis B5) can lead to a constellation of non-specific and overlapping symptoms. Because vitamin B5 works with other B vitamins in metabolic processes, it is often difficult to isolate the effects of B5 deficiency alone. Symptoms that may indicate a deficiency include:

Fatigue and extreme tiredness: As a key component in energy metabolism, a lack of B5 can reduce the body's energy production.
Headaches: Neurological disturbances can lead to chronic headaches.
Irritability and restlessness: Mood changes are common due to the vitamin's role in brain function.
Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling or staying asleep is a frequent complaint.
Gastrointestinal issues: Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting can occur.
Muscle cramps and pain: Impaired nerve and muscle function can lead to spasms.
Skin problems: Dryness, skin lesions, and hair loss can be observed.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Given its widespread presence, a standard, healthy diet provides sufficient pantothenic acid for most people. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing a deficiency. These include:

Severe malnutrition: This remains the primary cause for deficiencies outside of genetic disorders.
Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with nutrient absorption and deplete stores.
Genetic mutations: As in the case of PKAN, some people have a genetic predisposition that affects how their body uses pantothenic acid.
Elderly individuals: Age-related changes in diet and absorption efficiency can increase risk.

Prevention is best achieved through a balanced diet. Treatment for deficiency typically involves addressing the underlying cause, whether it's poor nutrition or a specific medical condition, and may include oral supplements under medical supervision.

Vitamin B5 Deficiency vs. Other B Vitamin Deficiencies

When discussing nutrient deficiencies, it is important to distinguish between the effects of different B vitamins. Here is a comparison highlighting how vitamin B5 deficiency symptoms overlap and differ from other common B vitamin deficiencies.


Feature	Vitamin B5 Deficiency	Other B Vitamin Deficiencies (e.g., B12, Thiamine)
Neurological Symptoms	Burning feet syndrome, numbness, tingling, fatigue, irritability	Peripheral neuropathy (B12), mental confusion, memory loss, nerve damage
Primary Cause	Extremely rare, severe malnutrition or genetic disorder (PKAN)	Can be caused by diet, malabsorption issues (e.g., pernicious anemia for B12), alcoholism
Gastrointestinal Issues	Stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite	Poor appetite (B1), constipation, diarrhea (B12)
Skin and Hair	Dry skin, dermatitis, hair loss	Skin rashes (B6), sensitivity to light (B2), dermatitis (B3)
Distinctive Feature	Burning feet sensation, specifically linked to pantothenic acid	Severe anemia (B12), distinct skin rashes (B3, B6)

Conclusion

Vitamin B5 deficiency is a rare occurrence due to the vitamin's prevalence in the food supply. However, severe malnutrition can lead to a condition known as burning feet syndrome, and a rare genetic disorder, PKAN, prevents the body from utilizing this vital nutrient. The symptoms of deficiency often overlap with other B vitamin deficiencies, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet rich in a variety of whole foods. If a deficiency is suspected, a healthcare professional can determine the appropriate course of action, which typically involves dietary changes and, in some cases, supplementation. While rare, the potential for neurological and systemic issues highlights the importance of adequate intake of this 'everywhere' vitamin. For more information on vitamin deficiencies, refer to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most notable disease caused by a lack of vitamin B5 is "burning feet syndrome," a condition observed in severely malnourished individuals. In genetic cases, it can cause Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN).

Vitamin B5 deficiency is extremely rare in developed countries because pantothenic acid is found in small amounts in nearly all foods. It is typically only seen in cases of severe malnutrition or due to a specific genetic disorder.

Common symptoms include fatigue, headache, irritability, restlessness, sleep problems, nausea, stomach pain, numbness or burning in the hands and feet, and muscle cramps.

Good food sources include meat (liver, chicken, beef), fish (salmon, tuna), eggs, dairy products, whole grains, and vegetables like mushrooms, avocados, and sweet potatoes.

Yes, vitamin B5 deficiency can be treated by improving overall diet to include foods rich in pantothenic acid. In some cases, and under the supervision of a healthcare provider, supplements may be recommended.

It is very difficult to get too much vitamin B5 from food alone. Excessive intake from supplements is rare but can potentially cause mild side effects like diarrhea.

PKAN is a rare, inherited genetic disorder caused by mutations in the PANK2 gene. It prevents the body from metabolizing vitamin B5 properly and leads to severe neurological problems, muscle rigidity, and movement disorders.