2. Vitamin B5 ( Pantothenic Acid)
It is a peptide composed of D-Pantoic acid and β-
Alanine and is found as calcium salt or as alcohol
(Pantothenol). The biologically active form of Vitamin B5
is coenzyme A (CoA).
RDA: 7-10 mg (4 Years and over)
3-5 mg (less than 4 Years)
Pantothenol
Pantothenic acid
Principal Sources in Food
Principal dietary sources of vitamin B5 include:
Food Serving size mg
Calf liver 100 g 7.9
Pea nuts 100 g 2.6
Peas 100 g 2.1
Soybeans 100 g 1.9
Brown rice 100 g 1.7
lobster 100 g 1.7
Water melon 100 g 1.6
Egg 1, Avg size 0.9
Brewer’s Yeast 10 g 0.7
3. Functions of vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid is a part of CoA that acts as an intracellular
carrier for few carbons-groups and assists more than 100
pathways of intermediate metabolism including those of:
1. Synthesis of Sterols (Cholesterol and 7-
Dehydrocholesterol), Fatty acids, and Keto-
acids such as Pyruvic acid.
2. Energy production
3. Synthesis of vitamins A and D.
4. Biosynthesis of protein and amino acid by assisting
the formation of leucine, arginine and methionine.
5. It is essential for the formation of hemoglobin
and electron-carrying cytochrome proteins of
the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
6.Biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine.
4. Symptoms of Vitamin B5 Deficiency
1.Paresthesias (It is a sensation of tingling, pricking,
or numbness of a person's skin) and burning
sensation in lower legs and feets.
2. Joint and muscle aches
3. Fading of hair color
4. Anemia
5. Reduced immunity: impaired antibody response
6. Headache, depression, insomnia, and fatigue
Paresthesias Muscle aches Anemia Insomnia fatigue
5. People at high risk of Vitamin B5 Deficiency
Pantothenic acid is widely prevalent in foods,
subclinical deficiency only may occur, usually in
conjunction with other B-vitamin deficiencies in
case of:
Chronic illness
Heavy alcohol consumption
During hypo-caloric dieting for
weight-loss.
6. Uses of Pantothenic acid in Prevention and Therapy
1.Microcytic anemia (through its role in
hemoglobin synthesis in conjunction with iron
supplementation).
2.Lupus erythematosus: Calcium
pantothenate, alone or in conjunction with
vitamin E can help in treatment of Lupus
erythematosus and other autoimmune
disorders.
3.Tiredness and fatigue as those associated
with subclinical pantothenic acid.
4.Arthritis: Pantothenic acid deficiencies are
often found in patients with osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis. In this case calcium
pantothenate can be effective.
Lupus erythematosus
Fatigue
Arthritis
7. 5. Wound healing after trauma or
operations.
6. Management of dyslipidemia
(abnormal amount of lipids e.g.
cholesterol and/or fat, in the blood).
7. Diabetic neuropathy (nerve disease
or damage that can occur in people
with diabetes).
9. Dexapantothenol (vitamin B5
Formulation) is used topically in
treatment of burns and itching .
Wound healing
