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Benefits of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Evidence-Based Benefits

  • Energy metabolism — B5 is a structural component of coenzyme A (CoA), which participates in over 100 metabolic reactions including the citric acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and acetylcholine synthesis
  • Lipid management — pantethine at 600-900 mg/day reduced total cholesterol by 11%, LDL by 12%, and triglycerides by 17% in a 2014 multi-center RCT by Rumberger et al. (n=120)
  • Wound healing — dexpanthenol (topical B5) accelerates wound healing by stimulating fibroblast proliferation and epithelial cell migration; widely used in post-surgical and dermatological care
  • Adrenal and stress support — B5 is concentrated in the adrenal glands and is necessary for cortisol and other corticosteroid synthesis; sometimes called the "anti-stress vitamin"

What the Research Says

Pantothenic acid's role in CoA synthesis is well-established biochemistry. For lipid management, Rumberger et al. (2011) conducted a multi-center RCT showing pantethine 900 mg/day significantly reduced total cholesterol by 11%, LDL by 12%, and triglycerides by 17% in low to moderate cardiovascular risk subjects. Proksch and de Bony (2006) demonstrated that topical dexpanthenol accelerated skin barrier recovery and reduced transepidermal water loss, supporting its widespread dermatological use. The acne claims associated with high-dose B5 (Dr. Leung's 1997 hypothesis) remain poorly supported by rigorous clinical trials.

Related Conditions

EnergySkin HealthStress
Full Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) Guide

References

  1. (). Pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B5 used as a nutritional supplement, favorably alters low-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism in low- to moderate-cardiovascular risk North American subjects. Nutrition Research. DOI
  2. (). Topical use of dexpanthenol: a 70th anniversary article. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. DOI
  3. (). Pantothenic acid deficiency as the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Medical Hypotheses. DOI