Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) Test – Normal Range, Function, and Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) Blood Test – Deficiency, Symptoms, Functions & Normal Levels

Introduction

The Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) Test is a blood test that measures the level of Vitamin B5 in your bloodstream. Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble vitamin belonging to the B-complex family, essential for energy production, hormone balance, fat metabolism, red blood cell formation, and maintaining healthy skin and nerves. It is a key component of Coenzyme A (CoA), a molecule required to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable cellular energy.

Because Vitamin B5 also supports the adrenal glands — responsible for stress-related hormones such as cortisol — it is often nicknamed the “anti-stress vitamin.” Although deficiency is rare, certain lifestyle factors, medical conditions, or poor dietary habits can lead to low levels. When that happens, symptoms such as fatigue, burning or tingling sensations, mood disturbances, and slow wound healing may appear.

This blood test helps identify deficiency, monitor nutritional status, and check for absorption issues in people with digestive disorders or chronic illnesses.

What is Vitamin B5?

Vitamin B5, or Pantothenic Acid, is one of the essential water-soluble B-complex vitamins. It is required for the body to generate energy, produce key hormones, and maintain cell health. Since the body cannot store significant amounts of Vitamin B5, daily intake through food is necessary.

Its most important role is forming Coenzyme A (CoA) — a vital molecule in nearly every metabolic reaction. Without enough Vitamin B5, your body’s ability to convert food into energy slows down, affecting muscles, nerves, hormones, and immune function.

Where is Vitamin B5 Produced in the Body?

The human body cannot produce Vitamin B5 naturally, so it must be obtained from:

• Meat and poultry
• Eggs and dairy products
• Whole grains and cereals
• Avocados
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli and leafy vegetables
• Lentils, nuts, and seeds

A small amount of Vitamin B5 is produced by intestinal gut bacteria, but it is not sufficient to meet the body’s daily needs.

A balanced diet typically prevents Vitamin B5 deficiency, but people with absorption problems or poor nutrition may still develop low levels.

Main Functions and Importance of Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 supports numerous biological and metabolic functions. It plays a central role in maintaining energy, nerve function, hormone regulation, and overall health.

1. Energy Metabolism

Vitamin B5 is required to produce Coenzyme A, which helps convert:

• Fats
• Carbohydrates
• Proteins

into ATP (usable cellular energy).
Without adequate Pantothenic Acid, this energy-conversion cycle slows down, causing fatigue, weakness, and poor stamina.

2. Hormone Production

The adrenal glands rely on Vitamin B5 to produce essential hormones, including:

• Cortisol (stress hormone)
• Sex hormones
• Anti-inflammatory hormones

This is one reason Pantothenic Acid is associated with stress management and hormonal balance.

3. Fatty Acid Synthesis and Breakdown

Vitamin B5 allows the body to build and break down fatty acids. This is important for:

• Cell membrane health
• Hormone production
• Healthy cholesterol metabolism

4. Red Blood Cell Formation

Pantothenic Acid supports the production of red blood cells (RBCs), which transport oxygen throughout the body. Low levels may lead to fatigue, breathlessness, or mild anemia-like symptoms.

5. Skin Healing and Repair

Vitamin B5 is known for its role in:

• Wound healing
• Reducing inflammation
• Improving skin hydration
• Supporting tissue repair

This is why Pantothenic Acid is used in creams, lotions, and hair care products.

6. Nervous System Support

Vitamin B5 helps in synthesizing neurotransmitters — brain chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate. Adequate levels support:

• Mood stability
• Memory
• Sleep regulation
• Cognitive function

Causes of Low Vitamin B5 Levels (Deficiency)

Vitamin B5 deficiency is rare but can occur due to lifestyle, diet, or health conditions.

Common Causes

• Severe malnutrition
• Chronic alcoholism
• Prolonged fasting or restrictive dieting
• Digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
• Diabetes (may increase urinary loss)
• Genetic metabolic disorders (very rare)

People with poor diets, high stress, or chronic illnesses may be more prone to low levels.

Symptoms of Vitamin B5 Deficiency

Deficiency symptoms tend to be nonspecific, meaning they can resemble other conditions. However, several signs are strongly linked to low Pantothenic Acid.

Common Symptoms

• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Burning, tingling, or numbness in hands and feet (“burning feet syndrome”)
• Headaches or irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Digestive issues like loss of appetite or abdominal discomfort
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Mood changes, anxiety, or depression

Since these symptoms can overlap with other deficiencies (like B1 or B12), a Vitamin B5 blood test helps confirm the diagnosis.

Causes of High Vitamin B5 Levels

High levels of Pantothenic Acid are extremely rare because it is water-soluble, and the body removes excess amounts through urine.

Possible causes include:

• Overconsumption of B-complex supplements
• High-dose Vitamin B5 supplements taken for skin or stress
• Intravenous nutrition (rare medical situations)

Symptoms of High Vitamin B5 (Toxicity)

Vitamin B5 toxicity usually occurs only from excessive supplements, not from food.

Symptoms may include:

• Mild diarrhea
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Rarely, increased bleeding when combined with blood-thinning medications

There is no known severe toxicity level from natural food intake.

Reference Range (Normal Levels)

Values may vary slightly depending on the laboratory. Levels below 1.0 µg/mL suggest deficiency.

Sample Type and Test Method

• Sample Type: Blood (serum or plasma)
• Test Type: Measures circulating Pantothenic Acid
• Fasting: Usually not required
• Method Used: HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) or immunoassays

The test is simple, quick, and typically processed within 24 hours.

Test Preparation

To ensure accurate results:

• Avoid Vitamin B-complex supplements for 12–24 hours
• Inform your doctor about any multivitamins or medications
• Stay hydrated
• Follow fasting instructions if the test is combined with other profiles

These steps help avoid falsely elevated Vitamin B5 levels.

When to Consult a Doctor

You should see a doctor if you experience:

• Unexplained weakness or fatigue
• Burning or tingling sensations in feet or hands
• Slow wound healing
• Frequent headaches or mood changes
• Loss of appetite or digestive issues
• Hair fall or dry, irritated skin

Your doctor may recommend:

• Dietary improvements
• Supplements
• Further evaluation for malabsorption issues
• Screening for other B-vitamin deficiencies

Important Word Explanations

Pantothenic Acid: Scientific name for Vitamin B5.
Coenzyme A (CoA): A molecule needed for energy production.
Adrenal Glands: Glands above the kidneys that release stress hormones.
Neurotransmitters: Chemicals used for nerve communication.
Paresthesia: Tingling or burning sensation, often in hands or feet.

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