Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

    Written by:
    Katie Jantz
    Fact-checked by:
    Thomas M.B. Reichhart
    Last Updated: April 13, 2026

    Pantothenic acid is an essential B vitamin required for the synthesis of coenzyme A, a cofactor required for many enzymatic reactions in the body related to energy production and metabolism. Most people consume adequate amounts of pantothenic acid, and additional supplementation shows little promise.

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    Overview

    Dosage Information

    Formulation

    Most pantothenic acid supplements contain calcium pantothenate.

    Pantothenic acid is available as a single-ingredient oral tablet, capsule, or liquid, or in combination with other micronutrients (e.g., B-complex vitamins, multivitamins).

    Range of dosages studied

    There is not enough research to determine a typical dosage range for pantothenic acid. Dietary supplements may contain doses ranging from 10 mg to 1,000 mg.[1]

    Pantothenic acid AI

    There is insufficient data to establish a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for pantothenic acid. Instead, the adequate intake (AI) is the average amount of pantothenic acid consumed daily that appears to be nutritionally adequate for people without health conditions.[2]

    AGEMALEFEMALEPREGNANTLACTATING
    0–6 months1.7 mg1.7 mg——
    7–12 months1.8 mg1.8 mg——
    1–3 years2 mg2 mg——
    4–8 years3 mg3 mg——
    9–13 years4 mg4 mg——
    14–18 years5 mg5 mg6 mg7 mg
    19+ years5 mg5 mg6 mg7 mg

    Reference: Institute of Medicine. Pantothenic acid (chapter 10 in Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. The National Academies Press. 1998). DOI: 10.17226/6015

    Pantothenic acid UL

    There is insufficient evidence to determine a tolerable upper intake level (UL) for pantothenic acid. There are no reported cases of toxicity in humans.[2]

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