Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Deficiency is extremely rare due to widespread food occurrence. Supplementation beyond basic needs has limited evidence.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

As part of CoA, involved in hundreds of metabolic reactions. Pantethine (derivative) has moderate evidence for cholesterol reduction. High-dose pantothenic acid historically used for acne with limited trial support.

• Essential component of coenzyme A
• Pantethine form may lower cholesterol
• Supports adrenal hormone production

AI is 5 mg. Therapeutic pantethine doses: 600–900 mg daily in divided doses.

• Diarrhea at high doses
• Generally very safe

Very safe. No established upper limit. Pantethine may cause GI issues.

Deficiency is so rare it's called the universal vitamin. Most benefit claims are theoretical rather than clinically demonstrated.

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