pantothenic acid
Meaning of pantothenic acid: Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is a water soluble nutrient the body needs to build coenzyme A and process food into energy.
Definition of pantothenic acid
Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5, is a water soluble vitamin the body needs in small amounts to build coenzyme A, a molecule essential to how cells convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food into usable energy. Coenzyme A also participates in building certain hormones and other important molecules within cells.
Pantothenic acid is found in nearly all plant and animal foods, which is reflected in its name, and because it is so widely distributed in the diet, a true deficiency is uncommon under ordinary circumstances. As a water soluble vitamin, it is not stored in the body in significant amounts, so a regular dietary supply is needed.
Pantothenic acid is available as a dietary supplement, sometimes included in products marketed for skin or hair health, though evidence supporting benefits beyond correcting an actual deficiency is limited.
Also known as
Used in a sentence
The patient's diet was reviewed to confirm adequate intake of pantothenic acid and other B vitamins.
Good to know
Because pantothenic acid is present in nearly all foods, a deficiency is uncommon and is not the same clinical concern as deficiency in some other water soluble vitamins.
Word origin
Where “pantothenic acid” comes from
Formed from Greek pantothen, meaning from everywhere, reflecting how widely the vitamin is distributed across different food sources.