Definition: Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is a member of the water-soluble family of B complex vitamins. Pantothenic acid is necessary to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins so your body can use them for energy or for rebuilding and maintaining muscles, organs and other parts of the body.
Vitamin B5 deficiencies are extremely rare.
Pantothenic acid is found in a wide variety of foods including organ meats, eggs, fish and shellfish, poultry, legumes, whole grains, dairy products, cruciferous vegetables, avocados, and mushrooms.
Daily Requirements
Age 0-6 months 1.7 mg per day
Age 7-12 months 1.8 mg per day
Age 1-3 years 2 mg per day
Age 4-8 years 3 mg per day
Age 9-13 years 4 mg per day
Age 14 and older 5 mg per day
Pantothenic acid is also available as a dietary supplement, and is safe to take in large doses, however there is likely no reason for supplementation since it is widely available in the diet.
