Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Overview
Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA). CoA is required for numerous metabolic processes including β-oxidation of fatty acids and TCA cycle acetyl-CoA flux, both of which are critical for ATP production. CoA is also essential for pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) function, linking glycolysis to the TCA cycle. Pantothenic acid deficiency impairs fatty acid oxidation and ATP production, potentially affecting brain energy levels and overall metabolic function.
Recipes
4 recipes containing this substance
Ginger Yogurt and Blueberries
An Anti-inflammatory polyphenol-rich breakfast bowl with high fibre. Start the day with anti-inflammatory gingerols and omega 3 nuts, blueberry polyphenols, a fibre from steel rolled oats. Great to set up dopamine for focus and attention.
Matcha Mitochondria Smoothie
Mitochondrial energising smoothie rich in polyphenols, magnesium, and antioxidants
Salmon Bowl-pistachio-cacao-nibs
A functional ECS-supportive bowl combining salmon, avocado, pistachios, cacao nibs, and early harvest olive oil to help preserve anandamide tone, improve membrane lipid composition, and support gut–brain signaling.
Turmeric Milk
A warming drink combining turmeric (curcumin) with milk/fat for enhanced curcumin absorption
Foods
5 foods containing this substance
Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetable rich in sulforaphane, folate, and glutathione precursors
Eggs
Complete protein with choline, B vitamins, and phospholipids
Milk
Complete protein, nicotinamide riboside, and calcium
Salmon
Oily fish rich in EPA/DHA, protein, and B vitamins
Yogurt
Fermented dairy providing probiotics and complete protein
Biological Mechanisms and Implications
| Biological Target | Therapeutic Areas | Mechanism of Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hormonal Response | Essential for CoA/PDH function; supports hormonal synthesis pathways | |
| Mitochondrial Support | Forms CoA (coenzyme A), required for β-oxidation and TCA cycle acetyl-CoA flux; deficiency impairs ATP production impacting brain energy | |
| Stress Response | — |
References
- Pantothenic acid (B5) is essential for CoA and PDH function, which are necessary for TCA cycle energy generation; deficiency impairs fatty acid oxidation and ATP production, potentially affecting brain energy levels
- CoA is essential for pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) function, linking glycolysis to the TCA cycle; deficiency impairs ATP generation, directly impacting brain energy metabolism