Vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid helps process energy and fats.
The formula matches the form shown in the 3D model. Other forms of this vitamin can have different formulas.Loading molecular structure…
D-pantothenic acid · Drag to rotate
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One representative form. Hydrogens omitted; bonds simplified.
PubChem · CID 6613Where you can find it
- Chicken
- Mushrooms
- Sunflower seeds
- Avocado
- Whole grains
What it does in the body
Pantothenic acid is part of coenzyme A, which helps the body make and break down fats and process energy.
Recommended amounts & upper limit
US reference values for healthy adults aged 19–50, excluding pregnancy and breastfeeding. These are daily dietary intakes, not blood-test ranges or prescribed supplement doses. Other ages and life stages have different needs; see the original source.
- Men · AI
- 5 mg/day
- Women · AI
- 5 mg/day
- Upper limit · UL
- No established ULInsufficient evidence to set a UL.
How to read these levels
RDA means Recommended Dietary Allowance; AI means Adequate Intake, used when an RDA cannot be set. The upper limit (UL) is not a target or an exact toxicity threshold. Going below the RDA on one day does not diagnose deficiency. No established UL does not mean unlimited amounts are safe.
mg = milligrams; mcg = micrograms. 1 mg = 1,000 mcg. IU is vitamin-specific and cannot be converted with one rule for all vitamins.
What happens when the balance changes?
These are possible effects, not a diagnosis or a prediction from one low or high result.
Too little
Severe deficiency can cause burning or numb hands and feet, fatigue, irritability and digestive symptoms.
Body areas affected
Nerves and digestive tract.
Too much
Very large supplement amounts can cause diarrhoea and stomach upset.
Body areas affected
Digestive tract.
What about blood-test levels?
Blood-test levels and daily intake use different units and cannot be compared directly. Test methods, reference ranges and clinical context vary. Symptoms alone cannot establish a vitamin deficiency or toxicity; a clinician can decide which tests and treatment are appropriate.
The body connection
It supports cellular processes throughout the body.
Explore whole bodyIn Whole Body, use the Systems panel to explore the relevant body systems.