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Types of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Forms & Bioavailability

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Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
Calcium D-PantothenateHighGeneral supplementation — most common and stable supplement form
PantethineHighCholesterol support — the biologically active form of B5, studied for lipid-lowering effects
Dexpanthenol (Panthenol)TopicalSkin healing and hydration — used topically, converts to pantothenic acid in the skin

Calcium D-Pantothenate

Bioavailability: High. Best for: General supplementation — most common and stable supplement form.

Pantethine

Bioavailability: High. Best for: Cholesterol support — the biologically active form of B5, studied for lipid-lowering effects.

Dexpanthenol (Panthenol)

Bioavailability: Topical. Best for: Skin healing and hydration — used topically, converts to pantothenic acid in the skin.

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