✿Lesher Wellness
← All ingredients

Pantothenic acid (B5)

Also called: Vitamin B5, calcium pantothenate, pantethine

Used to make coenzyme A, which cells need to make energy, fats, and some hormones. It's found in so many foods that deficiency is rare.

Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.

Studied for

  • Energy metabolism
  • Stress and adrenal formulas (evidence is limited)
  • Cholesterol and triglycerides (pantethine, some studies)
  • Acne (one small study)

Found naturally in

  • Shiitake mushrooms
  • Avocado
  • Eggs
  • Chicken
  • Sunflower seeds
What variations of pantothenic acid exist?Our top pick, what to skip, and how to read the label

Label red flags

  • Adrenal or stress formulas that pair B5 with herbs or glandular extracts. Check every ingredient.
  • Large amounts sold for acne, which can cause loose stools

Check with a provider

  • Taking cholesterol medicine and considering pantethine
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding. The amount in a prenatal is fine. Ask before adding more.
  • Diarrhea or stomach upset, which can happen with large amounts

Supplements that contain it

4 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary list pantothenic acid (b5) on the label.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.

Parts of the body it affects

Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.

Illustration of an adrenal gland sitting on top of a kidney

Adrenal glands

These small glands on top of your kidneys make cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which manage energy, blood pressure, and your stress response.

Cross-section of skin showing the epidermis, dermis and fat layer, with hair follicles, sweat and oil glands, nerves, and blood vessels

Skin

Your skin is your largest organ and a major immune barrier. Rashes, patches, and color changes are often the first visible signs of an autoimmune condition.

Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0

Dr. Lesher, ND

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

Book a consult now