Vitamin B5

Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5 is a water-soluble B vitamin. It is an essential nutrient. All animals require pantothenic acid in order to synthesize coenzyme A (CoA) – essential for fatty acid metabolism – as well as to in general synthesize and metabolize proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Pantothenic acid is the combination of pantoic acid and β-alanine. As a dietary supplement or animal feed ingredient the form commonly used is calcium pantothenate because of chemical stability, and hence long product shelf life. Food sources of pantothenic acid include animal-sourced foods, including dairy foods and eggs. Potatoes, tomato products, oat-cereals, sunflower seeds, avocado and mushrooms are good plant sources. Whole grains are another source of the vitamin, much of the pantothenic acid, as it is found in the outer layers of whole grains.