Vitamin B5

• Energy metabolism
• Adrenal function
• Stress resilience
• Cellular repair

• Skin health
• Hair health
• Wound healing
• Cholesterol regulation
• Immune function
• Cognitive function
• Digestive health

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) serves as a critical precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), a fundamental molecule in cellular metabolism. CoA is essential for the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, and the production of steroid hormones, acetylcholine, and other vital compounds. Through its role in forming acetyl-CoA, vitamin B5 is central to the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), which generates energy in the form of ATP. Additionally, CoA is required for the synthesis of cholesterol, bile acids, steroid hormones, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Pantothenic acid also contributes to the acylation of proteins, a post-translational modification that affects protein function and localization. In the form of pantethine (a dimer of pantetheine), vitamin B5 can influence lipid metabolism more directly, potentially reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Pantothenic acid is also crucial for the function of the adrenal glands, particularly in the production of cortisol and other stress hormones, explaining its reputation as an ‘anti-stress’ vitamin. Through these diverse mechanisms, vitamin B5 influences energy production, lipid metabolism, hormone synthesis, neurotransmitter function, and the body’s response to stress.

The Adequate Intake (AI) for pantothenic acid is 5 mg per day for adults. However, for therapeutic purposes, doses ranging from 10-1,000 mg are commonly used. For general health support, 10-25 mg daily is typical. For specific conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or hyperlipidemia, higher doses of 300-1,200 mg (often as pantethine) may be used under healthcare supervision.

Pantothenic acid is readily absorbed from the small intestine via a sodium-dependent active transport system. At typical dietary and supplement doses, absorption efficiency is approximately 40-60%. Pantethine (a derivative form) appears to have similar absorption characteristics. Once absorbed, pantothenic acid is distributed throughout the body with highest concentrations in the liver, adrenal glands, heart, and kidneys.

It crosses the blood-brain barrier and is found in cerebrospinal fluid. Excess pantothenic acid is excreted in urine, with small amounts appearing in feces.

Taking with food may enhance absorption, Calcium pantothenate is more stable than pantothenic acid and is the preferred form in most supplements, Pantethine may have additional benefits for lipid metabolism beyond pantothenic acid, Combining with other B vitamins for synergistic effects, Avoiding excessive alcohol, which can interfere with absorption and increase requirements, Enteric-coated formulations may improve tolerance for those experiencing digestive discomfort

For general supplementation, vitamin B5 can be taken with meals to enhance absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort. For adrenal support, some practitioners recommend taking it in the morning to align with the body’s natural cortisol rhythm. When using higher doses of pantethine for lipid management, dividing the dose and taking it with meals (typically 2-3 times daily) may improve tolerance and effectiveness. For those taking multiple B vitamins, taking them together can be convenient and may enhance overall effectiveness due to synergistic actions.

There is no strong evidence that timing significantly affects the efficacy of vitamin B5 for most purposes, so consistency in daily supplementation is generally more important than specific timing.

Take vitamin B5 supplements with meals to enhance absorption and reduce side effects, For general health, calcium pantothenate is the most cost-effective form, For lipid management, specifically seek pantethine form, For skin and hair benefits, consider both oral supplementation and topical products containing panthenol, Combine with other B vitamins for synergistic effects, For adrenal support, morning dosing may be most beneficial, When using higher doses, dividing throughout the day may improve tolerance, Consistency in daily supplementation is generally more important than specific timing, Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can interfere with absorption, For therapeutic applications, particularly lipid management, allow at least 3 months to assess effectiveness

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) has an exceptional safety profile, with no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) due to the lack of observed adverse effects even at very high doses.

It is generally well-tolerated across a wide dosage range, with only mild gastrointestinal effects occasionally reported at doses above 10 grams daily. Different forms (calcium pantothenate, pantethine, panthenol) share

this favorable safety profile, though pantethine may have slightly more potential for side effects at high doses.

Calcium Pantothenate:

• Excellent safety profile; no serious adverse effects reported
• Occasional mild gastrointestinal effects at very high doses
• No upper limit established; doses up to 10 g/day have been used without serious adverse effects
• No absolute contraindications; caution in hemophilia (theoretical concern)

Pantethine:

• Very good safety profile; slightly more potential for side effects than calcium pantothenate
• Gastrointestinal effects; rare allergic reactions
• Typically used at 300-900 mg/day; well-tolerated
• No absolute contraindications; caution with anticoagulant medications

Panthenol:

• Excellent safety profile for both topical and oral use
• Rare skin irritation with topical use in sensitive individuals
• No upper limit established for oral use; topical concentrations up to 20% well-tolerated
• No absolute contraindications; avoid application to broken skin

No Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for pantothenic acid due to the lack of observed adverse effects even at very high doses. Studies have used doses up to 10-20 grams per day without serious adverse effects, though mild gastrointestinal symptoms may occur at

these extremely high doses. For pantethine, doses of 300-900 mg daily are typically used for therapeutic purposes without significant adverse effects. As with any supplement,

it ‘s prudent to use the lowest effective dose for the intended purpose, but vitamin B5 has one of the best safety profiles among nutrients.

Children:

• Excellent at appropriate doses
• Adjust dosing based on age and weight
• Limited studies but no reported adverse effects at appropriate doses

Pregnant Women:

• Generally recognized as safe
• AI is 6 mg/day; higher doses have not been well-studied
• No evidence of harm at AI levels; insufficient data on high doses

Breastfeeding Women:

• Generally recognized as safe
• AI is 7 mg/day; passes into breast milk
• No evidence of harm at AI levels; insufficient data on high doses

Elderly:

• Excellent; may be particularly beneficial
• May have increased requirements due to decreased absorption
• Well-tolerated in elderly populations

Acute Toxicity: Not reported; extremely low toxicity potential

Symptoms Of Excessive Intake: Primarily gastrointestinal (diarrhea, nausea)

Management: Discontinuation; supportive care if needed

Antidote: None required; effects resolve with discontinuation

Chronic High Dose Effects: No significant adverse effects reported with long-term use

Monitoring Recommendations: No specific monitoring required for most individuals

Evidence From Clinical Trials: Multiple studies using doses up to several grams daily for months to years without significant adverse effects

No specific safety precautions needed for most individuals, Take with food if gastrointestinal effects occur, For very high doses, consider dividing throughout the day, When using pantethine for lipid management, monitor lipid levels periodically, Individuals on anticoagulant medications should monitor for increased bruising when using pantethine, Diabetic patients using pantethine should monitor blood glucose levels, Inform healthcare providers about supplementation, especially if taking medications, For topical panthenol, discontinue use if skin irritation occurs, Store supplements according to package directions to maintain stability, While extremely safe, use the lowest effective dose for the intended purpose

Different forms of vitamin B5 may have different regulatory status even within the same country, Health claims related to energy metabolism and fatigue reduction are generally permitted across regions, Claims related to lipid management (particularly for pantethine) face greater regulatory scrutiny, Panthenol enjoys widespread regulatory acceptance in cosmetic applications, Manufacturers must navigate complex and evolving regulatory landscapes, particularly for specialized applications, Consumers should be aware that regulatory approval does not necessarily indicate equivalent efficacy between different forms, Healthcare providers should consider regulatory status when recommending specific forms and applications

The cost-efficiency of vitamin B5 supplementation varies depending on the form, with calcium pantothenate being highly cost-effective while specialized forms like pantethine command premium prices. Understanding the value proposition of different forms is essential for making informed decisions based on specific health goals and budget considerations.

For general health, basic calcium pantothenate or a B-complex supplement offers excellent value, For adrenal support, higher-dose calcium pantothenate provides good value, For lipid management, pantethine offers reasonable value compared to prescription medications, For skin health, consider both affordable topical panthenol products and oral supplementation, Consider the strength of evidence when evaluating premium-priced forms, Look for quality indicators like third-party testing to ensure you’re getting what you pay for, Subscription services can significantly reduce costs for ongoing supplementation, Finding your minimum effective dose can substantially improve cost-efficiency, Balance cost considerations with quality, as extremely low-priced products may have quality issues, Reevaluate the cost-benefit ratio periodically as prices change and new research emerges

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) has moderate stability compared to other B vitamins. In its free acid form, it is somewhat unstable, which is why the calcium salt (calcium pantothenate) is the preferred form for supplementation due to its enhanced stability. Pantothenic acid is relatively stable to heat in dry form but can degrade in solution, particularly at extreme pH levels. It is less sensitive to light than some other vitamins but can be affected by moisture, oxygen, and certain minerals.

Understanding these stability factors is important for proper storage, handling, and formulation to ensure potency and effectiveness throughout shelf life.

Typical Shelf Life: 2-3 years for most vitamin B5 supplements in solid form when properly stored

Form Specific Considerations: Most stable form; typical shelf life of 2-3 years in dry form, Less stable than calcium pantothenate; typical shelf life of 1-2 years, Good stability in properly formulated topical products; 2-3 years typical shelf life, Less stable than calcium pantothenate; shorter shelf life

Expiration Date Significance: Indicates manufacturer’s guarantee of potency, safety, and quality; gradual potency loss rather than sudden degradation typically occurs after expiration

Post Expiration Considerations: Vitamin B5 does not become toxic after expiration but may gradually lose potency; storage conditions have greater impact on actual stability than time alone

General Guidelines: Store at room temperature (59-77°F or 15-25°C); avoid high temperatures, Keep in dry place; moisture is a primary concern for most forms, Moderate light protection recommended; not as photosensitive as some vitamins, Keep in original container with desiccant if provided; ensure tight closure after each use

Form Specific Recommendations: Standard storage conditions sufficient; moisture protection most important, More stringent storage conditions; some products may recommend refrigeration after opening, Store according to product instructions; typically room temperature

Travel Considerations: For short trips, original containers preferred; for longer travel, consider solid forms in moisture-proof containers; avoid exposure to high heat

Store vitamin B5 supplements in their original containers, Keep containers tightly closed after each use, Store in cool, dry place away from direct heat sources, Avoid bathroom medicine cabinets due to humidity, Leave desiccant packets in the container, Check expiration dates before purchase and use, For pantethine, follow specific storage instructions, which may include refrigeration after opening, For travel, consider solid forms in moisture-resistant containers, If transferring to pill organizers, fill only 1-2 weeks at a time and store in a dry place, To maximize vitamin B5 in cooking, use minimal water and shorter cooking times, Consider consuming cooking liquids to recover leached vitamin B5, Choose whole grains over refined grains to maximize vitamin B5 content, When in doubt about a product’s integrity, replacement is the safest option

Synthesis Methods

Natural Sources

Supplement Forms

Delivery Formats

Quality Considerations

Testing Methods

Early Observations: The history of vitamin B5 began with the recognition of a growth factor in yeast and other foods that was distinct from other known B vitamins. In the 1930s, researchers observed that certain food extracts contained a factor essential for the growth of yeast and bacteria, as well as preventing specific deficiency symptoms in animals.

Isolation And Naming: Roger J. Williams first isolated pantothenic acid in 1933 and named it from the Greek word ‘pantothen,’ meaning ‘from everywhere,’ reflecting its widespread presence in foods. The complete chemical structure was determined by Richard Kuhn and his colleagues in 1939, and the first chemical synthesis was achieved by Karl Folkers in 1940.

Recognition As Vitamin: Pantothenic acid was officially recognized as a vitamin in the early 1940s after its role in human nutrition was established. It was classified as part of the B-complex vitamins due to its water-soluble properties and its presence alongside other B vitamins in many food sources.

Animal Studies: Early research on pantothenic acid deficiency in animals revealed symptoms including dermatitis, graying of fur, adrenal insufficiency, reproductive problems, and neurological disturbances. These studies in the 1940s and 1950s were crucial in establishing pantothenic acid’s essential role in metabolism.

Human Experiments: Controlled human deficiency studies were conducted in the 1950s, primarily with volunteers and prisoners. These studies showed that severe pantothenic acid deficiency in humans leads to fatigue, irritability, digestive disturbances, burning sensations in the feet (‘burning feet syndrome’), and impaired coordination. However, such severe deficiency required both a deficient diet and an antagonist to block pantothenic acid utilization.

Natural Deficiency: Natural pantothenic acid deficiency in humans is rare due to its widespread presence in foods. However, cases have been documented in severe malnutrition, particularly during World War II in prisoners of war who exhibited ‘burning feet syndrome’ that responded to pantothenic acid supplementation.

Coenzyme A Discovery: Fritz Lipmann discovered coenzyme A (CoA) in 1945 and subsequently identified pantothenic acid as its essential component, work for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1953. This discovery established pantothenic acid’s central role in cellular metabolism.

Metabolic Pathways: Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, researchers elucidated the many metabolic pathways involving CoA, including its crucial roles in the citric acid cycle, fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, and acetylation reactions. This work firmly established pantothenic acid’s fundamental importance in energy metabolism.

Pantethine Research: In the 1980s and 1990s, research on pantethine, a derivative of pantothenic acid, revealed its potential benefits for lipid metabolism, leading to its use as a therapeutic agent for dyslipidemia in some countries, particularly Japan and Italy.

Historical Remedies: While pantothenic acid itself wasn’t identified until the 20th century, foods now known to be rich in this vitamin were used in traditional medicine systems for conditions that may have been related to its functions. For example, liver and yeast extracts were used for fatigue, skin conditions, and digestive problems in various traditional medicine systems.

Royal Jelly Usage: Royal jelly, which is rich in pantothenic acid, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other systems for vitality, longevity, and skin health for centuries, though its specific vitamin content was unknown.

Fermented Foods: Many traditional cultures emphasized fermented foods, which can be good sources of B vitamins including pantothenic acid. These foods were often associated with digestive health and energy in traditional systems.

Early Medical Uses: Following its discovery, pantothenic acid was quickly investigated for therapeutic potential. In the 1940s and 1950s, it was studied for wound healing, adrenal support, and stress resistance, with mixed results.

Panthenol Development: Panthenol (the alcohol form of pantothenic acid) was developed in the 1950s and quickly found applications in dermatology and cosmetics due to its excellent skin penetration and moisture-binding properties. It became a standard ingredient in wound healing preparations and hair care products.

Pantethine For Lipids: Beginning in the 1980s, pantethine was studied and used clinically for lipid management, particularly in Japan and parts of Europe. Clinical trials demonstrated its ability to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, offering an alternative to conventional medications.

Supplement History: Pantothenic acid became commercially available as a dietary supplement in the 1940s, initially as calcium pantothenate. It was typically included in B-complex and multivitamin formulations rather than as a standalone supplement.

Cosmetic Industry Adoption: The cosmetic industry rapidly adopted panthenol in the 1950s and 1960s after recognizing its benefits for skin and hair. It became one of the first vitamin derivatives widely used in cosmetic formulations and remains popular today.

Modern Market Evolution: In recent decades, specialized forms like pantethine have gained market presence for specific applications such as cardiovascular health. Additionally, higher-dose pantothenic acid supplements have been marketed for stress management, adrenal support, and energy production.

Wound Healing: Panthenol has been used in medical settings for wound healing since the 1950s, with applications ranging from minor cuts and burns to surgical wounds and dermatological conditions.

Nutritional Rehabilitation: Pantothenic acid supplementation has been part of nutritional rehabilitation protocols for severely malnourished individuals, particularly in post-war settings and humanitarian crises.

Dermatological Conditions: Various dermatological conditions have been treated with pantothenic acid derivatives, including dermatitis, eczema, and radiation-induced skin damage.

Lipid Management: In some countries, particularly Japan and Italy, pantethine has been used medically for managing dyslipidemia since the 1980s, offering an alternative to statins for some patients.

From Deficiency To Optimization: Scientific understanding evolved from focusing on preventing deficiency disease to optimizing cellular function and potentially addressing specific health conditions.

Biochemical Pathways: Knowledge of pantothenic acid’s role expanded from basic coenzyme functions to understanding its involvement in hundreds of metabolic reactions, stress response, and lipid metabolism.

Form Specific Effects: Recognition that different forms of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid, panthenol, pantethine) have distinct biological effects and applications has refined therapeutic approaches.

Dosage Considerations: Understanding has evolved from basic nutritional requirements (5-10 mg/day) to recognition that higher doses may have therapeutic effects for specific conditions.

Japanese Approach: Japan has been at the forefront of pantethine research and clinical use for cardiovascular health, with pantethine supplements widely used and sometimes prescribed for lipid management.

European Traditions: In parts of Europe, particularly Germany, panthenol has a long history of use in pharmaceutical preparations for skin conditions and wound healing.

North American Trends: In North America, pantothenic acid has been primarily viewed as a nutritional supplement, with recent trends focusing on its use for adrenal support and stress management in complementary medicine.

The discovery of pantothenic acid illustrates how nutrients can be widespread in foods yet still essential for specific metabolic functions, The connection between pantothenic acid and coenzyme A demonstrates how vitamins often function as precursors to critical cellular components, Different forms of the same vitamin can have distinct therapeutic applications, as seen with pantothenic acid, panthenol, and pantethine, Natural deficiency of a nutrient may be rare yet the nutrient can still have therapeutic applications at higher doses, Traditional use of foods rich in certain nutrients (like royal jelly) sometimes predates scientific understanding of their nutritional composition, The cosmetic and dermatological applications of panthenol demonstrate how nutrients can have benefits beyond their basic nutritional roles

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) has strong evidence supporting its essential role in human metabolism as a precursor to coenzyme A. However, evidence for therapeutic applications beyond basic deficiency prevention is more limited. The strongest evidence exists for pantethine’s effects on lipid metabolism, with moderate evidence for wound healing and skin health applications. Research on adrenal support, athletic performance, and other applications is preliminary but promising.

Strong evidence supports pantethine (not pantothenic acid) for lipid management at doses of 300-900 mg/day, Moderate evidence supports panthenol for topical skin applications, Limited but promising evidence for adrenal support, athletic performance, and acne treatment, Form matters: different forms of vitamin B5 have distinct effects and applications, The excellent safety profile means that therapeutic trials in individuals may be reasonable even where population-level evidence is still developing, Allow 4-16 weeks to assess effectiveness for lipid management, Consider combination approaches (e.g., with other B vitamins for energy metabolism; with zinc and vitamin C for wound healing), Cost-effectiveness is excellent compared to pharmaceutical alternatives for many applications