Vitamin
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) helps release energy from food. It is found in a very wide range of foods, so deficiency is very rare.
What it is
Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin whose name comes from the Greek for "from everywhere", reflecting how widely it is found in food.
What it does
It helps the body release energy from food and is involved in making and breaking down fats.
Good sources
Found in almost all foods, with good sources including chicken, beef, eggs, wholegrains, potatoes, tomatoes and porridge.
Deficiency and who is at risk
Deficiency is extremely rare because the vitamin is so widespread in food. It would only be expected with severe malnutrition.
Balance
Can you have too much?
Pantothenic acid from food and normal supplements is not known to be harmful; any excess is passed out in the urine.
Education and reference only. This is general nutrition information, not personal advice, and does not give doses. Ask a pharmacist, GP or registered dietitian before starting supplements, especially with a health condition or in pregnancy.
Answers
Vitamin B5: frequently asked questions
Do I need to worry about getting enough vitamin B5?
No. Pantothenic acid is found in almost all foods, so anyone eating a varied diet gets plenty, and deficiency is essentially unheard of in healthy people.
What does vitamin B5 do?
It helps your body release energy from the food you eat and is involved in handling fats. As part of a balanced diet it contributes to normal metabolism.
Related
More on vitamins and nutrition
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vitamins and minerals
- British Dietetic Association (BDA)
- UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN)
Building nutrition or patient-education content?
We create clear, accurate, referenced health explainers and decision aids for teams and learners.