Vitamin B5 is also commonly known as Pantothenic Acid. It was discovered by an American biochemist named Roger J Williams. It is water soluble and it is considered to be essential to all life. It is catalogued as needed for the normal function of the body. Vitamin B5 is required for the production of coenzyme A (CoA). CoA is essential for some of the vital chemical reactions in the cells. For the carbohydrates, proteins and fats to be metabolized the CoA is required. Also for the synthesis of hormones, cholesterol coenzyme A is needed.

Sources

Vitamin B5 can be found naturally in almost every food. It can be found on high amounts in meats, but also in cereals, legumes, eggs, milk, chicken, fish, whole grains and others. It is important to consider that in the mill process a lot of the vitamin B5 is lost.

Vitamin B5 can also be found as supplements. B complex supplements or supplements containing calcium pantothenate are some of the possibilities. In the form of panthenol it can be found in ointments, moisturizers and some shampoos. 

Uses

At the moment there is not too much research on this subject. It is very rare to find cases of deficiency of vitamin B5 except for some cases of extreme malnutrition. Some studies have related the use of calcium pantothenate with the reduction of the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Some people believe that it might improve the effectiveness of the oxygen, in athletes, by reducing the accumulation of lactic acid. 

As panthenol it is used in the cosmetic industry in moisturizers or in shampoos since it is believed that it lubricates and gives shine to hair. In some ointments it is used for skin wounds or burns since it is related to a faster healing process. But at the moment there is not enough research to reach a clear conclusion on the benefits.

High amounts of vitamin B5 might produce intestinal distress or diarrhea