Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Also known as Pantothenic acid, Calcium pantothenate, Pantethine
Pantothenic acid is a building block of coenzyme A, a molecule essential for fatty acid metabolism, steroid hormone synthesis, and the Krebs cycle. It is also used in skin and wound healing products. Pantethine is a more bioactive form studied for cholesterol.
Benefits
Supports adrenal and stress hormone production
ModerateCoA is required to synthesise cortisol and other steroid hormones; deficiency is linked to adrenal fatigue-like symptoms.
Promotes skin barrier repair
ModeratePanthenol (provitamin B5) is widely used topically and orally to support wound healing and skin hydration.
Pantethine may lower cholesterol
PreliminaryPantethine has been shown to modestly reduce LDL and triglycerides in some trials.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Key for adrenal hormone and CoA synthesis
- Very safe and well tolerated
- Pantethine form offers targeted lipid support
Cons
- Deficiency is rare
- High-dose evidence for cholesterol is modest
Side effects
Very rare diarrhoea at high doses
B5 is water-soluble and side effects are uncommon.
How to take it
Typical dose
5 mg RDA; 100–500 mg for adrenal/skin support
Timing
With meals
Tip: Pantethine is preferred for lipid goals; standard pantothenate is fine for general use.
Forms: which one to choose
The main forms of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) compared by absorption, tolerability, and best use.
Pantothenic Acid
Most popularHigh absorptionBest for: General energy, adrenal, and skin health · The standard and most economical form
Read about Pantothenic AcidPantethine
High absorptionBest for: Cholesterol and triglyceride management · More bioactive for lipid metabolism than standard B5
Read about PantethineWhat the research says
Pantethine and lipids
PreliminaryPantethine supplementation shows modest reductions in LDL and triglycerides in some trials.
How it connects
Relationships between Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) and other supplements in the matrix.
Both are heavily used in adrenal cortex and steroid hormone synthesis.
Compare the pairingMagnesium supports the same stress-response and energy pathways that rely on CoA.
Compare the pairingFrequently asked questions
What is Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) used for?
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is most commonly used for energy, skin health, and stress. CoA is required to synthesise cortisol and other steroid hormones; deficiency is linked to adrenal fatigue-like symptoms.
How much Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) should I take?
A typical dose is 5 mg RDA; 100–500 mg for adrenal/skin support. Pantethine is preferred for lipid goals; standard pantothenate is fine for general use. Start at the lower end and confirm the right dose for you with a healthcare professional.
When is the best time to take Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)?
Recommended timing: With meals.
What are the side effects of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)?
Reported side effects include very rare diarrhoea at high doses. B5 is water-soluble and side effects are uncommon.
More Vitamins
Folate (B9)
The active B vitamin behind methylation, mood, and pregnancy health.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
The energy metabolism cofactor that keeps nerves and muscles firing.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
The methylation and nerve-health vitamin that protects the brain and blood.
Compare Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) with
Weighing your options? See how Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) stacks up against similar supplements.