Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is an essential water-soluble B-vitamin required for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP). CoA is critical for fatty acid metabolism (synthesis and beta-oxidation), acetylcholine synthesis, steroid hormone production, and the citric acid cycle. Pantothenic acid is widely distributed in foods ('pantos' means 'everywhere' in Greek), making deficiency extremely rare. The Adequate Intake (AI) is 5mg/day for adults. Clinical applications include high-dose supplementation for acne vulgaris (reduces sebum production), topical dexpanthenol (provitamin B5) for wound healing and skin barrier repair, and potential benefits for lipid profiles. Pantothenic acid has very low toxicity with no established Upper Limit.
Quick Answer
What it is
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is an essential water-soluble B-vitamin required for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP). CoA is critical for fatty acid metabolism (synthesis and beta-oxidation), acetylcholine synthesis, steroid hormone production, and the citric acid cycle.
Key findings
- Grade A: Wound Closure Rate (Wound Healing)
- Grade A: Skin Barrier Repair (Wound Healing)
- Grade A: Deficiency Symptoms (B5 Deficiency)
Safety
- Pantothenic acid has very low toxicity with no established Upper Limit.
βΉοΈ Quick Facts: Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Quick Facts: Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
- Best Evidence:Grade A
- Conditions Studied:8
- Research Outcomes:15
- Grade A Findings:4
- Grade B Findings:4
- Key Effect:Wound Healing
Detailed Outcomes
Evidence by Condition
Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)
Research Citations (10)
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