Pantothenic Acid - attributes, requirement, deficiency and occurrence
Tim Klein
2026-03-19
3 min. read
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TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Pantothenic acid – indispensable component
Pantothenic acid, whose active form is coenzyme A, was first isolated by Williams in 1931 during a study on plant growth. This substance is crucial for the functioning of the human body, as it is involved in over 100 metabolic reactions. Pantothenic acid is essential for the conversion of heme to hemoglobin, supports the regeneration of skin cells and mucous membranes, and also contributes to antibody production.
Necessity for Vitamin B5
The necessity for pantothenic acid, also recognized as Vitamin B5, in adults is 5 milligrams each day. However, it should be pointed out that intake exceeding 10 milligrams of this vitamin may induce mild gastrointestinal disruptions.
Pantothenic acid - presence in food items
The products that possess the highest quantity of pantothenic acid are cereal products (e.g. buttermilk, barley grits), wheat bran, pulp seed, egg yolk, yeast, lean fibrous meat, and salmon. Minuscule amounts of this substance can also be found in vegetables, fruits, and milk. Moreover, pantothenic acid is synthesized by the human intestinal flora.
Pantothenic acid deficiency – Vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is a compound widely present in both animal and plant products. Deficiencies of this component are relatively rare and mainly affect developing countries. Insufficient intake of pantothenic acid can lead to damage to the adrenal cortex, muscular system, and nervous system. This can manifest as fatigue, loss of appetite, behavioral changes, hypotension, skin flaking, and hair loss. Inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract and diarrhea may also occur. Pantothenic acid as a component of coenzyme A is involved in the formation of many active substances in the body (hemoglobin, fatty acids, antibodies) and aids in the regeneration of skin and mucous membranes. It has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on our heart.