Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) Benefits, Uses, Dosages & Side Effects

Pantothenic acid (commonly called vitamin B5) is one of the eight B-complex vitamins.

Like other B vitamins, it is important for metabolizing proteins and fats and for the maintenance of healthy skin, eyes, hair, and liver.

Pantothenic acid is needed to synthesize coenzyme-A (CoA). It also helps the body convert carbohydrates to usable energy in the form of glucose.

Pantothenic acid is necessary for supporting CNS (central nervous system) functioning and manufacturing red blood cells, sex hormones, and stress-related hormones.

Vitamin B5 helps to keep the digestive system working correctly, and enhances the utilization of other nutrients, especially riboflavin (vitamin B2). Pantothenic acid is also needed for hepatic (liver) cholesterol synthesis. [1, 2]

This article reviews what is known currently about pantothenic acid’s biological mechanisms of action, health roles, deficiency symptoms, recommended dosages, side effects, and interactions. Natural food sources and supplemental types of pantothenic acid will also be discussed.

Pantothenic Acid

Vitamin B5 Supplement

Energy

Nervous System

Well-Being

How It Works:

• Helps to detoxify blood & the gut
• May support healthy blood lipid levels
• May help reduce gas and bloating

Dosage:

Between 500 mg - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Vitamin B5 Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

What is Pantothenic Acid?

Like all B-complex vitamins, pantothenic acid is an essential nutrient.

As an “essential” vitamin, the body either cannot produce this compound or does not produce adequate amounts to maintain health.

Essential nutrients must be gained from the foods we eat, or by taking dietary supplements. [1]

Pantothenic acid is water-soluble meaning it does not dissolve in fat, and is not stored in fat cells (adipocytes) in the body. Because it is not stored, we must constantly consume this vitamin in our diet to avoid a deficiency. [1]

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), “Pantothenic acid is widely distributed in plant and animal tissues. Only the dextrorotatory isomer, or D isomer, of pantothenic acid has biologic activity.” [2]

The molecular formula for Vitamin B5 is C9H17NO5. NMCD states that it is available in supplement form as D-pantothenic acid as well as its synthetic derivatives dexpanthenol and calcium pantothenate. [2]

Pantothenic acid is important for the human body because it is needed to produce CoA (coenzyme-A). CoA is critical for both the synthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. [3]

According to the Linus Pauling Institute (LPI), “Pantothenic acid is essential to all forms of life. It is ubiquitously found in foods of plant and animal origin, and dietary deficiency is very rare.” [4]

The Human Metabolome Database (HMD) states that the name for this vitamin is derived from the Greek word pantothen, which translates roughly to “from everywhere”. Small amounts of this vitamin are found in nearly every natural food source in the human diet. [3]

How Does Pantothenic Acid Work in the Body?

Pantothenic acid is integral for the production of coenzyme-A. According to Drugbank, CoA:

• Helps to transport carbon atoms within cells
• Is important in energy metabolism processes, particularly for pyruvate to enter the tricarboxylic acid cycle
• Is important in the biosynthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and acetylcholine
• May act as an acyl group carrier to form acetyl-CoA and other related compounds
• Protects cells against peroxidative damage by increasing glutathione levels, which acts as one of the main anti-oxidant enzymes in the body [5]

The LPI states, “Coenzyme A is essential to many biochemical reactions that sustain life. Also, the phosphopantetheinyl moiety of coenzyme A is required for the biological activity of several proteins, including the acyl-carrier protein involved in fatty acid synthesis.” [4]

According to PubChem pantothenic acid is involved in producing fatty acids, cholesterol, steroid hormones, neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, membrane phospholipids, and hemoglobin that transports oxygen in the blood. [6]

High doses of the pantothenic acid derivative pantethine have been shown to reduce serum cholesterol and triglycerides. However, this treatment requires medical supervision and should not be attempted alone. [4]

Pantothenic acid and an alcohol analog called pantothenol have been seen in limited studies to improve skin wound healing, but further research is needed to confirm these preliminary results. [4]

Drugbank also states that Vitamin B5 is being studied for possible roles in obesity, diabetic polyneuropathy, diabetic ulceration, wounds, acne, and testicular torsion. It is also being explored for hypolipidemic or blood lipid (fat)-lowering effects. [5]

Uses for Pantothenic Acid Supplements

Pantothenic acid has many oral, topical, intramuscular, intravenous, and intranasal uses. The NMCD reports that people have used vitamin B5 dietary supplements orally for: [2]

• Adverse effects of thyroid therapy in congenital hypothyroidism
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• Improving intestinal motility and reducing sore throat after surgery
• Mental and physical stress and anxiety
• Muscular cramps in the legs associated with pregnancy or alcoholism
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Reducing susceptibility to colds and other infections

This vitamin is also used orally for acne, alopecia, autism, carpal tunnels syndrome, colitis, convulsions and dandruff. It is also taken by mouth for diabetic neuropathy, enhancing immunity, headache, low blood glucose, insomnia, low blood pressure, multiple sclerosis (MS) and muscular dystrophy (MD). [2]

The NMCD reports that people also take pantothenic acid orally for depression, obesity, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Parkinson’s disease, stomatitis, vertigo, and constipation.

Is it also used orally as a nutritional supplement for improving athletic performance, cognitive function, boosting immunity, and wound healing. [2]

Dexpanthenol is an analog of pantothenic acid that is used topically (applied externally) for:

• Acne
• Acute radiotherapy skin reactions
• Diaper rash
• Dry eyes and eye trauma
• Eczema
• Insect stings and bites
• Itching
• Poison ivy
• Sprains [2]

Some doctors use dexpanthenol intramuscularly or intravenously for: [2]

• Intestinal atony (weak muscles) causing abdominal distension
• Minimizing and reducing intestine paralysis after major abdominal surgery
• Postoperative delay in resumption of intestinal motility
• Postoperative or postpartum flatus
• Stimulating intestinal peristalsis

The NMCD reports, “Intranasally, dexpanthenol is used to reduce nasal obstruction in patients with rhinitis sicca anterior and nasal discharge in patients with sinusitis.” [2]

Many of the common uses for this nutritional supplement have not been thoroughly researched at this time. More clinical trials are needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of pantothenic acid for a number of its purported uses.

Pantothenic Acid Health Benefits

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates pantothenic acid supplements as Effective for preventing and treating pantothenic acid deficiency. [2]

According to NMCD, there is insufficient research available to rate its effectiveness for other uses. Pantothenic acid continues to be studied for numerous proposed uses, including enhancing athletic performance and for:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Constipation
• Eye trauma
• Osteoporosis
• Postoperative intestinal function
• Postoperative sore throat
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Rhinitis sicca anterior
• Sinusitis
• Skin irritation [2]

However, many of these purported uses require more research to determine efficacy. While endogenous Vitamin B5 may influence many of these conditions, it is not known whether supplementing with this compound can improve health outcomes.

The Mayo Clinic states, “Claims that pantothenic acid is effective for treatment of nerve damage, breathing problems, itching and other skin problems, and poisoning with some other drugs; for getting rid of or preventing gray hair; for preventing arthritis, allergies, and birth defects; or for improving mental ability have not been proven.” [7]

Some studies on other uses have shown promising results, but more clinical trials are needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of pantothenic acid for these uses.

Vitamins are classified as dietary supplements by the FDA. The FDA has not approved pantothenic acid as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Pantothetic Acid for Skin Health

Vitamin B5 is commonly used to support wound healing and to address a variety of skin related conditions. It has been used both orally and topically for conditions including acne, dandruff, eczema, and various other skin disorders.

In vitro (cultured cell) studies and animal trials have found evidence that pantothenic acid has wound healing effects. Results from a study in rabbits suggest that this supplement increases cellular multiplication after an operation resulting in accelerated wound healing.

There have also been some limited clinical trials (human research) done using pantothenic acid that have shown positive benefits for skin health and various conditions.

One double-blind placebo-controlled study examined the effects of oral pantothenic acid supplements on facial acne lesions in men and women. The researchers found that there was a significant mean reduction in total lesion count in the vitamin B5 group compared to the placebo group after 12 weeks of treatment.

The researchers concluded that oral pantothenic acid supplementation was safe and well tolerated and can significantly reduce area-specific lesions and inflammatory blemishes caused by acne. They state that further trials are needed to corroborate their results.

One trial tested the effectiveness of a topical dexpanthenol ointment on skin irritations caused by sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS is a detergent and surfactant that is found in many hygiene products such as soap, bodywash, and shampoos.

It was found that using an ointment that contained between 1-5% dexpanthenol daily for 30 days reduced skin water loss, roughness, and irritation compared to a control following skin exposure to SLS.

While this research has been promising so far, more studies are needed to fully understand what effects pantothenic acid has on maintaining skin health and to determine the therapeutic efficacy of vitamin B5 for various skin conditions.

Pantothenic Acid Deficiency

As mentioned previously, pantothenic acid is found in at least small amounts in nearly all food sources. Because it is so ubiquitous, deficiencies are very uncommon in people who follow a healthy and nutritious diets.

The Linus Pauling Institute states that pantothenic acid deficiency is extremely rare in humans and is normally found only in the worst cases of malnutrition. [4]

Deficiency may also occur in people with impaired nutrient absorption or other gastrointestinal conditions that affect the body’s ability to assimilate nutrients from foods consumed.

Drugbank states, “Since pantothenic acid participates in a wide array of key biological roles, it is essential to all forms of life. As such, deficiencies in pantothenic acid may have numerous wide-ranging effects.” [5]

According to PubChem, the worst cases of deficiency can cause adrenocortical insufficiency, neuromuscular degeneration, or death. [6]

Pantothenic Acid Food Sources

Eating a diverse and balanced diet is the best way to ensure proper nutrition. When possible it is recommended to obtain necessary vitamins from the diet before using supplements.

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) states, “Little pantothenic acid is lost from foods with ordinary cooking. However, the vitamin B5 in foods is lost during processing. Fresh meats, vegetables, and whole unprocessed grains have more vitamin B5 than refined, canned, and frozen food.” [1]

According to the UMM, some of the best food sources of pantothenic acid are brewer’s yeast, egg yolk, sweet potatoes, whole grains, wheat germ, tomato, avocado, corn, lentils, legumes, and dark-green leafy vegetables. Other rich sources include organ meats, turkey, duck, chicken, lobster, salmon and cow’s milk. [1]

The Linus Pauling Institute lists the following good food sources with their respective amounts of pantothenic acid: [4]

• 3 oz cooked beef liver: 5.6 mg
• 1 oz dry roasted sunflower seed kernels: 2.0 mg
• 3 oz cooked lobster: 1.9 mg
• 3 oz cooked trout: 1.9 mg
• 8 oz plain nonfat yogurt: 1.6 mg
• ½ raw California avocado: 1.0 mg
• 3 oz cooked pork tenderloin: 0.86 mg
• 3 oz cooked white chicken meat: 0.83 mg
• 1 large hardboiled egg: 0.7 mg
• ½ cup cooked lentils: 0.63 mg
• ½ cup cooked broccoli: 0.48 mg
• 1 slice whole-wheat bread: 0.21 mg

Pantothenic Acid Supplements

The UMM reports that pantothenic acid is found in numerous multivitamin formulations.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states, “Vitamin B complex supplement formulations generally include vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin/niacinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid), and vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin).” [2]

Pantothenic acid is also available separately in tablets, softgels, capsules, and bulk powder. This ingredient is commonly listed in supplements as calcium pantothenate or sodium D-pantothenate. [1]

In single ingredient formulations, vitamin B5 is most commonly sold in 500 mg tablets or capsules. In B-vitamin complex formulations it is typically provided in much smaller amounts, typically around 5.5 mg and sometimes as high as 100 mg.

It is important to keep a proper balance of the B-complex vitamins. It typically is recommended to take a multivitamin that contains all of the B-vitamins in proper ratios instead of supplementing with only one of the vitamins unless directed to do so by your doctor.

The NMCD reports that there are more than 7700 dietary supplements that contain pantothenic acid. Because of the large variety of products available it is important to shop for high-quality products from trusted manufacturers. [2]

Like other B-complex vitamin, pantothenic acid is degraded by heat, light, and air. Store your supplements in airtight, dark-colored containers in lowly lit locations at room temperature. [6]

Pantothenic Acid Dosage Recommendations

For pantothenic acid requirement in humans, the Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board set AI’s (adequate intakes) instead of RDA’s (recommended daily allowances).

The AI’s for pantothenic acid are: [4]

• 1.7 milligrams daily for infants between 0-6 months of age
• 1.8 mg/day for infants between 7-12 months
• 2 mg/day for children 1-3 years of age
• 3 mg/day for children between 4-8 years
• 4 mg/day for children between 9-13 years
• 5 mg/day for those 14 years and older
• 6 mg/day during pregnancy
• 7 mg/day during lactation

The LPI reports, “Little or no toxicity has been associated with dietary and supplemental pantothenic acid such that no tolerable upper intake level (UL) has been set.” [4]

According to the NMCD dosages as high as 10 g per day have been taken without any significant adverse effects reported. [4]

When used as a dietary supplement, dosages of vitamin B5 can vary widely based on the purpose of use and the specific supplement used.

When included in combination with other B vitamins, dosages are typically between 5-10 mg per day.

As a single ingredient supplement, pantothenic acid dosages are typically 500 mg. In a research trial on arthritis, 500 mg dosages were used. Dosages of 400 mg/day were used for five days in a study on constipation. [4]

Pantothenic Acid Safety and Side Effects

According to the LPI, “Pantothenic acid is not known to be toxic in humans. The only adverse effect noted was diarrhea resulting from very high intakes of 10 to 20 g/day of calcium D-pantothenate.” [4]

The NMCD rates this supplement as Likely Safe when used orally and appropriately. In research doses up to 10 grams have been ingested without causing significant side effects. [2]

The NMCD rates topical use of pantothenic acid gels, drops, and ointments as Possibly Safe when used short-term (up to 30 days) and appropriately. [2]

Topical administration of these products in children is rated as Possibly Safe. [2]

When taken orally at AI amounts, pantothenic acid is rated Likely Safe during pregnancy, however the safety of higher amounts is unknown.

The NMCD states, “The adequate intake (AI) during pregnancy is 6 mg. There is insufficient reliable information about the safety of using pantothenic acid in amounts exceeding the AI during pregnancy; avoid using.” [2]

Pantothenic acid is also rated as Likely Safe in oral AI amounts during lactation. Avoid intake of more than 7 mg daily in the diet or from nutritional supplements. [2]

Pantothenic acid supplements are generally very well tolerated when taken at appropriate dosages with no commonly reported side effects. When taken orally at high dosages diarrhea can occur.

Topical use of dexpanthenol can cause itching, burning, skin irritation, eczema, and contact dermatitis.

Pantothenic Acid Drug Interactions

Pantothenic acid is not known to alter reading on laboratory tests. [2]

This supplement is not known to interact with any drugs. However, there is some concern that tetracycline antibiotics might interfere with the absorption of vitamin B5. [2]

The UMM states, “You should take B vitamins at different times from tetracycline. All vitamin B complex supplements act in this way and should be taken at different times from tetracycline.” [2]

Seek medical advice about using a pantothenic acid supplement if you use cholinesterase inhibitor drugs or blood thinning drugs. There is some evidence that this combination may cause some side effects.

Stop using dietary supplements like B-Complex vitamins at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgeries.

It is always recommended to speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements, especially if you have a preexisting condition or are taking any prescription medications or supplements.

Talk with your doctor if you are interested in taking pantothenic acid; they will be able to help determine if this supplement is right for your needs.

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