Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid

What is vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid?

Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is sometimes called the "anti-stress vitamin" because of its action in the response to stress. Its name comes from the Greek word pantothen, which means "everywhere", because it is present in a very large number of foods.

What is its function and what are its benefits?

This vitamin is essential to the body and is involved in many metabolic reactions and physiological processes.

Vitamin B5 is a precursor of coenzyme A, which participates in the transmission of nerve impulses and in the functioning of the adrenal glands, which are essential in stress management.

Coenzyme A is also essential to the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, and therefore to energy production.

Vitamin B5 also plays a role in the formation of hemoglobin, in the functioning and regeneration of cells, in the beauty of the skin and hair.

Where to find it?

Vitamin B5 is very abundant in nature, especially in animal sources. Among the foods that are richest in it are: offal, eggs, meat, fish, dairy products, yeast, legumes (lentils, etc.), royal jelly, mushrooms, corn, etc.

Deficiency and excess

As vitamin B5 is not stored in the body, excesses are very rare.

Moreover, as this vitamin is present in a large number of foods, deficiencies are also rare. This being said, the processing of foods (for example if they are cooked, frozen, canned, etc.) can destroy a good part of their vitamin B5 content. In addition, the needs may be increased in pregnant or breastfeeding women, athletes, people under chronic stress, diabetics, etc.