Vitamin B5 deficiency: the most effective dietary supplements

Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is an essential water-soluble vitamin found in almost all plant- and animal-derived foods. This vitamin plays a central role in many metabolic processes, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Pantothenic acid is particularly important as a precursor of coenzyme A (CoA), an essential coenzyme for reactions that release energy from carbohydrates, the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids, as well as the synthesis of sterols, steroid hormones, porphyrins, acetylcholine, and other compounds. In addition, this vitamin is involved in maintaining normal epithelial functions, which means it has a direct effect on the health of the skin and mucous membranes.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B5

Pantothenic acid is present in a wide variety of foods, making deficiencies rare under normal conditions. Major food sources include meats, particularly organ meats like liver, as well as vegetables, whole grains, legumes, eggs, and milk. Royal jelly, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, mushrooms, and fruits such as avocado are also rich in vitamin B5. However, pantothenic acid is relatively unstable and can be destroyed by heat, freezing, canning, as well as exposure to acids and alkalis. This means that some of the vitamin can be lost during food preparation and storage. About 85% of the pantothenic acid in foods is in the form of CoA, which is hydrolyzed into free pantothenic acid or pantethine during digestion before being absorbed mainly in the jejunum.

Symptoms and Consequences of Vitamin B5 Deficiency

Although pantothenic acid deficiency is rare, it can occur in cases of widespread malnutrition or in conjunction with other nutrient deficiencies. Early signs of experimental deficiency include drowsiness, fatigue, headaches, paresthesias (a tingling or pins-and-needles sensation) in the hands and feet, which may be followed by muscle weakness in the legs. Gastrointestinal disturbances, mood changes, and increased susceptibility to infections may also be observed. Other symptoms include muscle pain, cramps, skin rashes such as eczema, and hair loss. In cases of severe deficiency, hypofunction of the adrenal glands may occur, leading to an inability to respond adequately to stress, with morphological damage to the adrenal glands.

At-Risk Populations and Supplementation

Certain populations may be at increased risk of vitamin B5 deficiency, including people with chronic alcoholism, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases, which reduce vitamin absorption. Prevention of deficiencies relies mainly on a balanced diet rich in sources of vitamin B5. For adults, the recommended daily dose is about 10 mg. In cases of identified deficiency, supplementation may be necessary to correct deficits and prevent associated complications. Commercially available forms of vitamin B5 include D-pantothenic acid and its derivatives, often included in B-complex vitamin formulations.