Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Overview

Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic Acid, is a potent water-soluble vitamin belonging to the B-complex group. As explained in the document (page 2), the word “pantothenic” comes from the Greek word pantou, meaning “everywhere,” since nearly all foods contain at least small amounts of this vitamin. Vitamin B5 is found in both plant and animal sources and is essential for the synthesis of Coenzyme A (CoA)—a critical component in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Pantothenic acid also plays a major role in:

1. Energy production through fatty acid and carbohydrate oxidation
2. Synthesis of amino acids, fatty acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, and steroids
3. Hemoglobin and porphyrin biochemistry
4. Adrenal gland function
5. Healthy skin, hair, and nail maintenance (page 5)

The document also highlights the biologically active form of Panthenol, which is widely used for skin and hair repair (page 3). Overall, Vitamin B5 supports metabolic health, cellular maintenance, and physiological repair processes.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Vitamin B5 Deficiency

Although deficiency is rare, the document’s interpretation chart (page 14) identifies several symptoms, including:

1. Fatigue, insomnia, irritability, depression
2. Vomiting, stomach pains, nausea
3. Burning feet, upper respiratory infections
4. Abdominal cramps, malaise, numbness, paraesthesia
5. Muscle cramps and sleep disturbances
6. Sugar-level imbalance, causing levels to fall below normal
7. Symptoms related to nervous, gastrointestinal, and immune dysfunction
8. Decreased food intake, reduced growth rate, skin lesions, and hair changes

Symptoms of Vitamin B5 Toxicity

As shown in the same chart (page 14), toxicity is uncommon but may cause:

1. Diarrhea, stomach trouble, headache
2. Excessive stress
3. Increased risk of bleeding

These symptoms arise from over-supplementation rather than food intake.

Causes

The document outlines several key causes for abnormal Vitamin B5 levels:

1. Inadequate Dietary Intake

Even though Vitamin B5 is widespread, poor diets lacking vegetables, grains, dairy, and animal products may contribute to deficiency. Page 4 lists major food sources like broccoli, sweet potatoes, lentils, eggs, yogurt, whole-grain cereals, chicken, salmon, and shellfish.

2. Metabolic & Functional Demand

Pantothenic Acid is needed for CoA formation and energy metabolism (pages 2–5). Increased metabolic demands from illness, stress, or poor diet may deplete body levels.

3. Malabsorption Conditions

According to page 8, individuals with malnutrition, chronic digestive disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorption syndromes, or chronic alcoholism may not absorb Vitamin B5 efficiently.

4. Excess Supplementation

Too much Vitamin B5—typically in supplement form—can cause toxicity symptoms outlined on page 14.

5. Increased Clinical Need

Certain conditions, such as diabetic ulceration, acne, obesity, wound healing, and peripheral polyneuropathy require higher Pantothenic Acid levels for recovery (page 7).

Risk Factors

Based on the document, individuals at increased risk for Vitamin B5 imbalance include:

1. People With Poor Diets or Malnutrition

Restricted diets and low intake of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins increase deficiency risk (page 8).

2. Patients With IBD, Malabsorption, or Chronic Alcohol Use

These groups frequently exhibit nutrient absorption issues that may reduce Vitamin B5 levels.

3. Individuals Experiencing Fatigue, Neuropathy, or Digestive Symptoms

Unexplained fatigue, numbness, tingling, or digestive issues may indicate deficiency and warrant testing (page 8).

4. Wound-Healing and Dermatological Patients

Those with skin issues, ulcers, or wounds may need optimal Pantothenic Acid levels to support tissue repair (page 7).

5. Diabetic Patients & Those Under Metabolic Stress

Because Vitamin B5 supports energy metabolism and nerve repair, individuals with diabetes or metabolic challenges are at higher risk (page 7).

6. People Taking Supplements Unsupervised

Supplement misuse can result in toxicity symptoms described on page 14.

Prevention

Preventive guidance from the document focuses on dietary intake, clinical testing, and sample handling.

1. Ensure Adequate Dietary Intake

Regular consumption of food sources shown on page 4—vegetables, legumes, whole grains, dairy, chicken, and fish—helps maintain stable levels.

2. Follow Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA)

The table on page 6 lists intake levels such as:

1. Infants: 1.7–1.8 mg/day
2. Children: 2–4 mg/day
3. Adults: 5 mg/day
4. Pregnant women: 6 mg/day
5. Breastfeeding women: 7 mg/day

3. Monitor High-Risk Groups Clinically

Testing is recommended in individuals with fatigue, neuropathy, digestive symptoms, or suspected deficiency (pages 7–8).

4. Safe Supplementation

Since toxicity is possible with overdose, supplements must only be taken under medical supervision.

5. Proper Sample Collection for Testing

As instructed on page 12:

1. Collect 3 mL of blood in EDTA or plain tubes
2. Separate serum/plasma promptly
3. Store at 2–8°C
4. Fasting 10–12 hours is advised (page 11)

6. Support Overall Metabolic Health

Adequate nutrition, reduced stress, and controlled energy expenditure help maintain Pantothenic Acid balance (page 15).