Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5): facts at a glance
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is a water-soluble B vitamin that the body cannot make on its own, so it needs to be obtained from food or dietary supplements. It is a component of coenzyme A, a key molecule involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Our range includes pantothenic acid in various forms: as a standalone supplement in capsules or powder, and as an ingredient in vitamin B complex products.
What is pantothenic acid?
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, belongs to the group of B vitamins. It's a water-soluble vitamin that the body can't make on its own, so it needs to be regularly obtained from food. The name comes from the Greek word “pantothen”, which roughly translates to “from everywhere”, indicating that pantothenic acid is found in small amounts in many foods.
In the body, pantothenic acid is the starting material for the formation of coenzyme A (CoA), a key molecule in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Coenzyme A plays a role in several hundred enzymatic reactions, including the citric acid cycle.
Presence in food
Pantothenic acid is found in a wide range of animal and plant-based foods, including:
- Offal (e.g., liver, kidney)
- Egg yolk
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Mushrooms
- Avocado
- Broccoli
Since the vitamin is found in many foods, deficiency is considered rare in industrialised countries.
Reference values for daily intake
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set a nutrient reference value (NRV) of 6 mg per day for pantothenic acid for adults. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends an estimated 6 mg per day for adults, although actual requirements may vary depending on age, gender, life stage (e.g., pregnancy, breastfeeding), and individual factors.
Dosage forms
Pantothenic acid is available as a dietary supplement in various forms, including:
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Powder
- An ingredient in vitamin B complex supplements
Commonly used compounds include calcium D-pantothenate and D-panthenol, a precursor of pantothenic acid.
Note: Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you have any questions about your individual nutrient intake, please consult a doctor or a nutritionist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pantothenic Acid
Panthenol (more precisely: D-panthenol) is a precursor (provitamin) to pantothenic acid. The body converts panthenol into pantothenic acid. Panthenol is also commonly used externally in cosmetics and skin care products.
The EFSA has not set a tolerable upper intake level for pantothenic acid, as there is currently insufficient data on side effects from high intake via dietary supplements.
Pantothenic acid is often combined with other B vitamins (such as B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, and biotin) in what are known as B-complex supplements, as these vitamins work closely together in the metabolism.
Pantothenic acid itself is a vitamin with neither an animal nor a plant origin in the strict sense. Whether a specific supplement is vegan depends on the source of the raw materials used and any capsule shells (e.g., gelatine vs. plant-based capsules).