Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin found in almost every food — its name comes from the Greek for "from everywhere". The body uses it to help turn food into energy. Because it is so widespread in the diet, going short of vitamin B5 on its own is very rare. The UK has not set a daily requirement for it; the reference value used on supplement labels is 6 mg, and four health claims are authorised for it in Great Britain.
Camden Medicals editorial · Last reviewed 12 June 2026 · Next review June 2027
- Cross-checked against
- NHS
- NICE
- BNF
- EFSA
- FSA
Camden's own editorial team graded each health claim below on the strength of the published evidence — trials weighed with Cochrane RoB 2, systematic reviews with AMSTAR 2, under the CEGA method. See the grade beside every condition.
- Class
- Vitamin
- Typical daily dose
- Common supplement doses are 5–50 mg/day; B-complex products typically provide around 6 mg. Older acne and lipid studies used 0.6–10 g/day — far above the NHS 200 mg/day supplement advice and not a self-care option.
- Top use evidence
- Strong
On this page
- What it is
- At a glance
- What people use it for
- How it works
- Common myths
- Common online questions
- The official position
- Authorised UK claims
- What the guidance says
- Camden's evidence review
- Safety, interactions & who should avoid it
- How to take it
- How to spot quality
- Commonly combined with
- Related ingredients
- Sources
What it is
Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin. It is present in almost all foods, with higher amounts in liver, kidney, eggs, broccoli, avocado, yoghurt, mushrooms, sunflower seeds and wholegrains. The Greek name pantothen ("from everywhere") reflects this ubiquity, and it is why a shortfall of vitamin B5 by itself is essentially never seen outside experimental studies or severe, broad malnutrition.
Chemically, pantothenic acid (D-pantoyl-β-alanine) is built from D-pantoic acid joined to β-alanine. Its biologically active form is coenzyme A (CoA). CoA carries acyl groups in a large number of metabolic reactions — the citric acid (TCA) cycle, the breakdown and the building of fatty acids, cholesterol and steroid-hormone synthesis, and the making of acetylcholine and haem. A related form, phosphopantetheine, is the working part of acyl-carrier protein in fatty-acid synthase.
Common supplement forms are calcium pantothenate (the standard, most stable salt) and panthenol (the alcohol form, mainly used topically in cosmetics and less common as an oral supplement). Pantethine, a related compound, appears in some specialist preparations studied at higher doses for blood lipids. Topical panthenol in skincare is a separate use case from the dietary vitamin discussed here.
At a glance
- Water-soluble vitamin; the body uses it to make coenzyme A (CoA), a molecule central to how cells release energy from food.
- The UK has not set a daily requirement for pantothenic acid — it is in almost all foods, so a shortfall on its own is very rare. The labelling reference value used for supplements is 6 mg.
- Four UK authorised health claims apply (energy-yielding metabolism, mental performance, synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones / vitamin D / some neurotransmitters, and reduction of tiredness and fatigue) when a product provides at least 15% of the 6 mg reference value.
- Very well tolerated; the NHS advises taking no more than 200 mg a day from supplements, and no formal upper limit has been set.
What people use it for
Adults taking pantothenic acid at or above the 15% reference-value threshold (for the authorised claim list)
When a product provides at least 15% of the 6 mg reference value (≥0.9 mg) per daily portion, the GB-NHC register authorises four pantothenic-acid claims: contribution to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal mental performance, normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters, and reduction of tiredness and fatigue. [2,1]
StrongPeople who have read about high-dose pantothenic acid for acne or blood lipids
High-dose pantothenic acid (and the related compound pantethine) is widely discussed online for acne and for lowering blood lipids; the current evidence does not support these uses. The older trials were small and have not been reliably replicated, and neither use is on a UK NICE pathway. The gram-level doses used in those studies are far above the NHS advice of no more than 200 mg a day from supplements, so they are not a self-care option. [4]
Popular, not provenInsufficient
How it works
Coenzyme A (CoA) is the acyl-group carrier in fatty-acid breakdown (acetyl-CoA), the TCA cycle (acetyl-CoA entering as citrate; succinyl-CoA), fatty-acid building (malonyl-CoA), cholesterol and steroid synthesis (HMG-CoA), haem synthesis (succinyl-CoA) and acetylcholine synthesis (acetyl-CoA plus choline). Phosphopantetheine is the swinging arm of acyl-carrier protein within fatty-acid synthase. Adequate vitamin B5 supports all of these pathways, which is why experimental deficiency produces a wide, non-specific mix of symptoms (tiredness, digestive upset, tingling, and the historically described "burning feet syndrome") rather than one defining sign.
Common myths
Myth"Pantothenic acid prevents grey hair."
RealityA persistent folk belief based on an old observation that B5 deficiency in animals produces fur depigmentation. There is no evidence that supplemental pantothenic acid in people with an adequate intake reverses or prevents grey hair.
Myth"High-dose B5 clears acne."
RealityOlder, small, low-quality studies at gram-level doses reported inconsistent effects, and the result has not been reliably replicated. The UK NICE acne pathway uses topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy in women, and oral isotretinoin under specialist supervision. Pantothenic acid is not on the pathway, and the doses used in those studies far exceed the NHS advice of no more than 200 mg a day from supplements. [4]
Common online questions
Synthesised from the questions UK shoppers most often ask online about Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid). Each answer is editorial and links to its evidence in the Sources list below.
Why is pantothenic acid in nearly every B-complex supplement?
Because it works alongside the other B vitamins in metabolism, and the usual manufacturing standard for a B-complex product is to include all eight. A normal UK diet already supplies enough pantothenic acid, so for most healthy adults a B-complex tops up rather than corrects a shortfall. [1]
Is pantothenic acid safe at high doses?
Pantothenic acid is generally well tolerated at supplement doses. The NHS notes there is not enough evidence to know what the effects of high daily doses might be, and advises no more than 200 mg a day from supplements. There is no formal upper limit, but the NHS advises taking no more than 200 mg a day from supplements. If you are considering a high-dose product, talk to your pharmacist first. [1]
⚖️ The official position
What may lawfully be claimed about Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) in Great Britain. This is a regulatory position, not an evidence grade.
A health claim is authorised in Great Britain.
“Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism”
“Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance”
“Pantothenic acid contributes to normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters”
“Pantothenic acid contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue”
This claim is authorised for use in Great Britain under the GB Nutrition and Health Claims regulation. A product may carry it when it provides at least 15% of the UK NRV per recommended daily portion.
Authorised UK health claims
Verbatim from the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register (Reg 432/2012 as assimilated in GB). A product can carry these claims when it provides at least 15% of the UK NRV per recommended daily portion.
4 authorised claims — show / hide
- "Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism"
- "Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance"
- "Pantothenic acid contributes to normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters"
- "Pantothenic acid contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue"
UK regulatory landscape
UK regulatory tier: Food supplement
EFSA claim status
Pantothenic acid is an Annex-listed nutrient with authorised Article 13.1 claims; it is not a botanical-on-hold ingredient.
UK regulatory rules evolve. This summary is editorial — businesses should consult regulatory counsel; consumers should consult their pharmacist or GP.
🩺 What the guidance says
What UK and international health bodies say. Guidance leads; Camden’s own evidence review follows below.
NHSConditional
B vitamins and folic acid
The NHS states that no amount has been set in the UK for how much pantothenic acid a person needs, because it is found in so many foods that most people get all they need from a varied diet — chicken, beef, eggs, mushrooms and avocado are given as everyday sources, alongside small amounts in almost all vegetables, wholegrains and meats. Where a person does choose to supplement, the NHS advises taking no more than 200 mg of pantothenic acid a day, and says this amount is unlikely to cause harm.
EFSANot assessed
Dietary Reference Values for pantothenic acid
EFSA's 2014 opinion sets an Adequate Intake for pantothenic acid rather than a full requirement, because the available data were not sufficient to derive an Average Requirement. It proposes an Adequate Intake of about 5 mg a day for adults, with a small increase during breastfeeding to reflect losses in milk. It is a nutrient-reference opinion describing how much the body needs, not a recommendation to take any particular product, and it does not assess pantothenic acid for any disease.
GB-NHCNot assessed
Great Britain nutrition and health claims (NHC) register
Only claims on the Great Britain NHC register may be used in commercial communications in Great Britain. The register authorises four claims for pantothenic acid — that it contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to normal mental performance, to the normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters, and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. A product may use these claims only when it provides at least 15% of the 6 mg reference value (0.9 mg) per daily portion. Each authorised claim describes a normal bodily function, not the treatment or prevention of any condition.
SOCIETY-OTHERConditional
Supplements (BDA Food Fact Sheet)
The British Dietetic Association's general position is that, for most people, improving the everyday diet should come before reaching for a supplement, and that supplements are useful in specific circumstances rather than as a routine substitute for food. It suggests talking to a GP, pharmacist or dietitian before starting one, particularly alongside prescribed medicines. The advice concerns supplements generally and is consistent with the position that a varied diet supplies enough pantothenic acid.
🔬 Camden’s evidence review
The research Camden reviewed, graded on its strength. This is our own appraisal — it sits beneath the official guidance above, never above it.
Pantothenic acid as an essential nutrient
EvidencestrongPantothenic acid is an established essential micronutrient and the precursor of coenzyme A. Isolated dietary deficiency is essentially never seen because the vitamin is so widespread in food; the symptom complex is defined only from experimental antagonism studies. The UK sets no requirement, and the NHS states a normal diet supplies enough. [1]
Acne (high-dose oral pantothenic acid)
EvidenceinsufficientOlder, small, mostly open-label studies at gram-level doses reported reductions in acne severity, but they were low quality and have not been reliably replicated in well-designed trials. High-dose pantothenic acid is not on the UK NICE acne pathway, which uses topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy in women, and oral isotretinoin under specialist supervision. [4]
Blood-lipid modification (pantethine)
EvidencelimitedPantethine, a pantothenic-acid derivative, has shown modest reductions in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in small randomised trials (≈11% LDL-C in a triple-blinded placebo-controlled study). The effect is not statin-tier and pantethine is not on UK lipid-lowering pathways. This is a specialist research context, not a general supplement use. [5,6]
Safety
Pantothenic acid is generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. The NHS advises taking no more than 200 mg a day from supplements and notes there is not enough evidence to know what the effects of higher daily doses might be.
Talk to your pharmacist or GP first if you:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting any supplement.
- You are considering a high-dose (gram-level) pantothenic acid product.
Common side effects: No common side-effect profile at usual oral supplement doses.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The UK does not set a pantothenic acid requirement, and a normal diet provides enough during pregnancy. There is no recommendation to take a separate pantothenic acid supplement in pregnancy. Talk to your midwife, GP or pharmacist before starting any supplement.
Breastfeeding does not change the UK position — a normal diet provides enough, and there is no recommendation for a separate pantothenic acid supplement. Talk to your health visitor, GP or pharmacist before starting any supplement.
Talk to your GP, midwife, or pharmacist before starting any supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
More clinical detail (for clinicians and informed readers)
Contraindications
- Known pantothenic acid hypersensitivity (rare).
Drug interactions
- No clinically significant interactions are documented at supplement doses.
This is not an exhaustive list. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every supplement you take.
Common side effects
- Generally very well tolerated at usual oral supplement doses.
Rare side effects
- Diarrhoea or other digestive symptoms at very high doses (several grams a day).
How to take it
- Typical supplemental range
- Common supplement doses are 5–50 mg/day; B-complex products typically provide around 6 mg. Older acne and lipid studies used 0.6–10 g/day — far above the NHS 200 mg/day supplement advice and not a self-care option.
- Timing
- No specific timing requirement.
How to spot quality
Look for
- Form named — calcium pantothenate is the standard.
- Amount stated in mg and as a percentage of the 6 mg reference value (NRV).
- GMP-certified manufacture.
Red flags
- Generic "B5" with no form named.
- Marketing that implies acne treatment or grey-hair prevention.
- High-dose (gram-level) products presented as a routine supplement.
Where Camden lands · meets the bar
Camden Medicals does not currently sell a standalone pantothenic acid product. Pantothenic acid appears as an adjunct ingredient in two multi-active B-vitamin products Camden is evaluating — a daily B-complex (6 mg per capsule as calcium pantothenate, 100% of the reference value, so claim-eligible) and a Ginkgo B+ blend (6 mg per capsule, 100% of the reference value). Both name the form and state the amount, so both clear the look-for bar set out above.
Commonly combined with
Other ingredients that share a biological pathway, cofactor relationship, or evidence-backed protocol with this one. Mechanisms below cite primary physiology — not folk pairing. Doses are literature ranges, not recommendations. Talk to your pharmacist or GP before changing your stack, especially if you take prescription medication.
Vitamin B6
Moderate evidenceB-complex cluster — B5 and B6 co-formulated in energy / mental-performance products.
Pantothenic acid is a component of coenzyme A and acyl-carrier protein (cofactor for steroid-hormone synthesis and fatty-acid synthesis); it holds UK Article 13.1 mental-performance and steroid-hormone-synthesis claims. Vitamin B6 contributes to amino-acid metabolism and also holds Article 13.1 claims.
Evidence: Both hold UK Article 13.1 authorised claims. [2]
Doses studied: 6 mg B5 + 1.4 mg B6 daily (label reference-value amounts).
Biotin
Moderate evidenceB-complex cluster — B5 and B7 (biotin) both act as cofactors on fatty-acid pathways.
Pantothenic acid (as coenzyme A) and biotin (as a carboxylase cofactor, e.g. for acetyl-CoA carboxylase) both act on fatty-acid synthesis; their roles are complementary across the fatty-acid and skin-maintenance pathways.
Evidence: Both hold UK Article 13.1 authorised claims. [2]
Doses studied: 6 mg B5 + 50–200 µg biotin daily (label reference-value amounts).
Magnesium
Moderate evidenceEnergy / mental-performance cluster — both hold UK Article 13.1 claims in this area.
Pantothenic acid holds a UK Article 13.1 mental-performance claim; magnesium holds Article 13.1 claims for normal psychological function and reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Evidence: Both hold UK Article 13.1 authorised claims. [2]
Doses studied: 6 mg B5 + 200–400 mg magnesium daily (label reference-value amounts).
Found in Camden: Magnesium Complex 120 Capsules
Sources
Numbered references cited above plus general authoritative reading. Citations in the body link to the matching number here.
How to read these sources:
- Tier 1 (UK authoritative): NHS, NICE, BNF, EFSA, FSA, GB NHC Register, SACN, MHRA.
- Tier 2 (primary literature): peer-reviewed RCTs cited by PMID.
- Tier 3 (mechanistic): in-vitro / animal-model literature — interpret with caveat.