Nicus
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

​​​​​​​The Nutrition Information Centr​e ​​of the 
University of Stellenbosch​ (NICUS)

Nutrients

​Vitamin​s: Pantothenic Acid

​​

What is it? 
 
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is a water soluble vitamin. 

 
Functions - what does it do? 
 
Coenzyme A. The primary role of pantothenic acid is as part of coenzyme A, which is involved in the release of energy from carbohydrates and proteins, and in the breakdown and production of fatty acids. Coenzyme A also makes other molecules more reactive. 

 
Requirements - How much do we need?  

Adequate Intake*

(mg/day)

Life-Stage (years)

Males

Females

0 - 0.5 (0 - 6 months)

1.7

1.7

0.5 - 1 (7 - 12 months)

1.8

1.8

1 - 3

2

2

4 - 8

3

3

9 - 13

4

4

14 - 18

5

5

Ages 19+

5

5

Life-Stage (years)

Pregnancy

Lactation

18 and younger

6

7

19 - 30

6

7

Ages 31 - 50

6

7

*Adequate Intakes (AI) are used as no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is established. The AI is a recommended daily intake level based on observed or experimentally determined approximations of nutrient intake by a group of healthy people who are assumed to be maintaining an adequate nutritional state.


Sources - Where is it found?  

Food Sources

Nutrient Density

High

Medium

Low

Excellent sources

Egg yolk, Kidney, Liver, Yeast

Moderate sources

Mushrooms, Avocado, Broccoli, Lean Beef, Skimmed milk, Sweet potatoes, Molasses

Other sources

Pantothenic acid is widespread in all foods and is present in all plant and animal tissue.


Deficiency - When you have too little 

Pantothenic acid is widespread in foods and no deficiency disease has been observed in humans. A deficiency may occur in alcoholics with a very nutrient-deficient diet. However, symptoms may be masked by deficiencies of other vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and folate. 
 
Toxicity - When you have too much 
 
No toxic effects of pantothenic acid are known, but excessively large amounts may cause diarrhoea.

Upper Limit+

(mg/day)

Life-Stage (years)

Males

Females

All ages

ND

ND

Life-Stage (years)

Pregnancy

Lactation

All ages

ND

ND

+Upper Limits (UL) = The maximum level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects. Unless otherwise specified, the UL represents total intake from food, water, and supplements.

ND = Not determinable due to lack of data of adverse effects in this age group and concern with regard to lack of ability to handle excess amounts. Source of intake should be from food only to prevent high levels of intake.​