Pantothenic acid (also called vitamin B5) helps turn the food you eat into the energy you need. It’s important for many functions in the body, especially making and breaking down fats.

Pantothenic acid (also known as vitamin B5) is an essential nutrient that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. The main function of this water-soluble B vitamin is in the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein [1,2]. CoA is essential for fatty acid synthesis and degradation, transfer of acetyl and acyl groups, and a multitude of other anabolic and catabolic processes [3,4]. Acyl carrier protein’s main role is in fatty acid synthesis [2].

A wide variety of plant and animal foods contain pantothenic acid [1]. About 85% of dietary pantothenic acid is in the form of CoA or phosphopantetheine [2,4]. These forms are converted to pantothenic acid by digestive enzymes (nucleosidases, peptidases, and phosphorylases) in the intestinal lumen and intestinal cells. Pantothenic acid is absorbed in the intestine and delivered directly into the bloodstream by active transport (and possibly simple diffusion at higher doses) [1,2,4]. Pantetheine, the dephosphorylated form of phosphopantetheine, however, is first taken up by intestinal cells and converted to pantothenic acid before being delivered into the bloodstream [2]. The intestinal flora also produces pantothenic acid, but its contribution to the total amount of pantothenic acid that the body absorbs is not known [4]. Red blood cells carry pantothenic acid throughout the body [4]. Most pantothenic acid in tissues is in the form of CoA, but smaller amounts are present as acyl carrier protein or free pantothenic acid [1,4].

The amount of pantothenic acid you need depends on your age and sex. Average daily recommended amounts are listed below in milligrams (mg):

Pantothenic acid deficiency is very rare in the United States. Severe deficiency can cause numbness and burning of the hands and feet, headache, extreme tiredness, irritability, restlessness, sleeping problems, stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Scientists are studying pantothenic acid to understand how it affects health. Here’s one example of what this research has shown.

Pantothenic acid is safe, even at high doses. However, taking very high doses of pantothenic acid supplements (such as 10,000 mg per day) can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea.

• For general information about pantothenic acid:

• For more information on food sources of pantothenic acid:

• For more advice on choosing dietary supplements:

• For information about building a healthy dietary pattern: