Pantothenic Acid (B5)
Content by: OpenSupplement Editorial Team | Medical review: pending | Last updated: April 13, 2026
TL;DR
Essential B vitamin for energy metabolism and hormone production
May support stress response and adrenal function
Potential benefits for skin health and wound healing
Extremely safe with no known toxicity
Widely available in foods, deficiency rare
Best for: Supporting general metabolism and stress response
What it is
Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a central role in cellular energy production. It's a precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), which is critical for metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, as well as synthesizing hormones, neurotransmitters, and cholesterol.
Found naturally in almost all foods ("pantothenic" means "from everywhere"), B5 is particularly abundant in organ meats, egg yolks, avocados, and whole grains. True deficiency is extremely rare in developed countries, but some practitioners suggest that stress, processed food consumption, and certain medications may increase requirements beyond typical dietary intake.
What the research says
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Pantothenic Acid (B5) on Amazon
Safety
Pantothenic acid has an excellent safety profile with no established upper limit. As a water-soluble vitamin, excess amounts are readily excreted in urine. Even at very high doses (10+ grams daily), side effects are rare and typically limited to mild digestive upset or diarrhea. No serious adverse effects have been documented in the literature.
Interactions
- No significant drug interactions - B5 does not interfere with medications
- B-complex synergy - Works well with other B vitamins
- Biotin interaction - Very high doses may theoretically compete with biotin absorption, though this is not clinically significant at normal supplemental doses
Dosing
General health: 5-10 mg daily (adequate intake is 5 mg for adults)
Stress support: 100-500 mg daily in divided doses
Skin/wound healing: 200-500 mg daily
High-stress periods: Up to 1000 mg daily, though evidence for benefit at these doses is limited. Most people get adequate B5 from a quality B-complex supplement.
Cost
Very affordable supplement. Basic calcium pantothenate typically costs $5-10 per month for moderate doses (100-250 mg daily). Higher-potency standalone B5 supplements range from $10-15 monthly. Often more economical as part of a B-complex formula.
The bottom line
Pantothenic acid is essential for basic metabolism, but true deficiency is rare with a normal diet. While supplementation is extremely safe, the evidence for therapeutic benefits beyond correcting deficiency is limited. Most people will get adequate B5 from a quality multivitamin or B-complex, making standalone supplementation unnecessary unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider.
Sources for this page include published meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and NIH dietary supplement fact sheets. All claims reflect the evidence as of early 2026.
This is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications.