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Vitamin B5

WATER-SOLUBLE

Coenzyme A (CoA), Acyl carrier protein (ACP)

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is a structural component of coenzyme A (CoA) and the acyl carrier protein (ACP), two molecules absolutely essential for fatty acid metabolism, the Krebs cycle, and the synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, and neurotransmitters. The "acetyl-CoA" molecule that serves as the entry point for the Krebs cycle contains pantothenic acid as its core structural element. Its name derives from the Greek "pantothen" meaning "from everywhere" — deficiency is extremely rare.

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Key Functions

  • Fatty acid metabolism
  • Acetyl-CoA production for Krebs cycle
  • Hormone and cholesterol synthesis
  • Neurotransmitter formation
  • Drug detoxification in liver

Best Food Sources

Chicken, turkey, and beefPotatoes and oatsTomatoes and eggsWhole grains and legumesAvocado and mushrooms

Deficiency: Pantothenic Acid Deficiency

  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Muscle cramps
  • Impaired coordination
  • Gastroestinal disturbances

High-Risk Groups

  • People on highly restricted diets
  • Those with severe malnutrition

Reviewed for accuracy: Content is based on guidelines from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and peer-reviewed medical literature.

Recommended Daily Amount

Adult Men

5 mg

Adult Women

5 mg

Did You Know?

Pantothenic acid is so widely distributed in foods that deficiency has only been documented experimentally.

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