Vitamin B5

Definition

Vitamin B5, otherwise known as pantothenic acid, is an important vitamin for processing and creating energy in the body. It does not actively get broken down like carbohydrates, proteins and fats do to create energy, rather, it helps allow these processes to happen.

Health considerations

Vitamin B5 deficiency is quite rare, but can occur due to malnutrition or alcoholism, though the symptoms of these conditions are often intermingled with those of Vitamin B5 deficiency. In terms of overconsumption of pantothenic acid, studies have found that consuming too much Vitamin B5 may cause diarrhaea and water retention, though these results are not consistent.

May be found in

Meat, eggs, whole grains, legumes

References

Nutrition: Science and Applications

Alternative Spellings and Names

Vit B5, Pantothenic Acid