Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Pantothenic acid
Vitamins. Modern nutrition.
Also called Pantothenic acid, Calcium pantothenate, Panthenol, Pantethine
Pinyin: fàn suān
Spanish: Ácido pantoténico
High doses need medical adviceA B vitamin the body needs to make coenzyme A, which helps cells release energy from food, and it is found in almost all foods.
Did you know? Pantothenic acid takes its name from the Greek word pantothen, meaning from everywhere, because it is found in nearly all foods.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Cholesterol. Pantethine, a higher-dose form of B5 sold as a supplement, lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides in several small older trials, usually at 600 to 1,200 mg a day. Large modern trials are lacking.See the research: 8 studies in peoplePromising proof
- Wounds, burns & bites. Creams with panthenol, a form of B5, are studied for minor skin wounds, such as after cosmetic procedures. Small trials and reviews suggest faster skin repair, but taking B5 by mouth has not been shown to do the same.See the research: 3 studies in peoplePromising proof
- Energy & tiredness. B5 is sold for energy. In people who already get enough, extra B5 has not been shown to add energy.See the research: 8 studies in peopleUnproven
- Hair & nails. B5 is sold for hair and nails. Good human trials have not shown that extra B5 makes hair grow faster or thicker.See the research: 1 study in peopleUnproven
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Vitamin B5 has no folk history of its own. Scientists identified it in the 1930s while studying what animals need to grow and stay healthy.
How it is classified
How people take it
The adequate intake of B5 is 5 mg a day for adults, 6 mg in pregnancy and 7 mg while breastfeeding. Most people get enough from food. Pantethine in cholesterol studies used far higher doses, which should only be used with a doctor's guidance.
Food, capsule, tablet and topical.
Where to get it
Almost all foods contain some B5. Good sources include chicken, beef, salmon, eggs, milk, avocado, mushrooms and sweet potatoes. Capsules, tablets and panthenol creams are sold in stores and online.
Be careful
B5 from food is very safe, and no upper limit has been set, but very high pill doses can cause loose stools. Pantethine is a higher-dose product, so people taking cholesterol medicines should ask a doctor first. Pregnancy and breastfeeding needs are met by a normal diet and most prenatal vitamins.
Avoid if: high-dose pantethine without medical advice.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are B vitamins needed by enzymes that release energy from food.
- Works well together
Both B vitamins help the body make and break down fats and sugars.
- Use cautionStatins (Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)
Pantethine has been studied for cholesterol. Little is known about using it with statins, so ask a doctor before combining them.
The honest take
Vitamin B5 is needed, and food gives plenty for most people. Pantethine lowered cholesterol in several small older trials, but bigger modern studies are needed. Creams with panthenol have the best evidence, for minor skin wounds after procedures, while pills for energy and hair growth lack good research.
Sources
Each “See the research” link opens PubMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's index of medical studies, showing only trials and reviews done in people. The number tells you how much a use has been tested, not whether it worked. The proof rating tells you that.
Study counts checked October 2026.