Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Water-soluble B vitamin for metabolism and for making fatty acids and hormones
Also known as
Definition
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is a water-soluble B vitamin. The body needs it for growth, for breaking down and using food, for making fatty acids, hormones and cholesterol, and for converting pyruvate, a key metabolic substance. It keeps only a small reserve, and excess amounts leave in the urine. Almost all plant and animal foods contain pantothenic acid, but food processing can cause a significant loss.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | varies by lab and method |
| Reference Range | No uniform reference range: for some B vitamins it is not clear what a normal level is, and labs use different ranges. The reference range on your own report is what counts; discuss it with your doctor. |
Agree on your personal target range with your doctor.
↓ What a low value means
Pantothenic acid deficiency is very rare. A tingling feeling in the feet (paresthesia) has been described. Low B vitamin levels in general can be linked to alcohol use disorder, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, other malabsorption conditions, surgery on the digestive tract or certain medicines. Because inflammation and medicines affect the values and normal levels are not settled for every B vitamin, discuss your result with your doctor.
↑ What a high value means
High levels can come from supplements. Large amounts of pantothenic acid generally cause no symptoms, other than possibly diarrhea. High B vitamin levels can, however, also be linked to conditions such as liver disease. B vitamin supplements can also affect how some medicines work; discuss any deviation and your supplements with your doctor.
When to test
A vitamin B test is mainly ordered for symptoms that suggest a deficiency or for risk factors such as malabsorption, alcohol use disorder or surgery on the digestive tract. It is measured in blood or urine (random sample or 24-hour collection). Fasting may be needed before a blood sample. Mention supplements and medicines before the blood draw.
Frequently asked questions
How common is vitamin B5 deficiency? +
Very rare, because almost all foods contain pantothenic acid. Tingling in the feet has been described with a deficiency. A test is more likely to be considered with risk factors such as malabsorption or after surgery on the digestive tract.
Can too much pantothenic acid be harmful? +
Large amounts generally cause no symptoms, though they may cause diarrhea. High B vitamin levels in the blood should still be put into context, because they can also be linked to conditions such as liver disease.
Which foods contain vitamin B5? +
Among others, animal proteins, eggs, milk, poultry, organ meats, legumes and lentils, mushrooms, avocado, broccoli and kale, white and sweet potatoes, whole-grain cereals and yeast. Processing can remove a large share.
Why is a single B5 result hard to interpret? +
For some B vitamins it is not clear what a normal level is, and labs use different ranges. Inflammation and medicines also affect the result. Your doctor interprets the value together with your symptoms and history.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Sources
Last updated: October 05, 2026
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.