Last verified: 37 days ago
Pantothenic Acid
Also known as: Vitamin B5, Pantothenate, Calcium pantothenate, D-pantothenic acid
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Essential B vitamin involved in energy metabolism; low levels linked to hair loss and possibly Parkinson's disease.
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What it does
Pantothenic acid is vitamin B5, a water-soluble nutrient essential for converting food into energy through coenzyme A (CoA) synthesis. It plays a role in skin and hair health — one study found a...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies for specific conditions
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Found in
Porefavor, IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials, Nutrilite Double X and 17 more
What the Science Says
Pantothenic acid is vitamin B5, a water-soluble nutrient essential for converting food into energy through coenzyme A (CoA) synthesis. It plays a role in skin and hair health — one study found a multi-ingredient supplement containing pantothenic acid reduced hair loss by 59% over 12 weeks, though it was combined with other ingredients. Emerging metabolomics research suggests low pantothenic acid levels may be associated with Parkinson's disease risk, though no clinical trials have confirmed a therapeutic benefit.
What It Doesn't Do
No proof it treats Parkinson's disease on its own. The hair loss study used a blend — pantothenic acid alone didn't cause those results. No evidence it boosts athletic performance or energy levels beyond correcting a deficiency. Not a standalone acne cure despite common marketing claims.
Evidence-Based Benefits
A supplement containing pantothenic acid reduced hair loss by 59% and improved hair density over 12 weeks.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Parenteral nutrition including pantothenic acid maintained normal blood vitamin levels in post-surgical patients.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Lower pantothenic acid levels are consistently found in Parkinson's disease patients compared to healthy controls.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Good — as a water-soluble vitamin it is readily absorbed; excess is excreted in urine, preventing toxic buildup. Levels drop quickly after surgery or during illness without supplementation.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most human studies use pantothenic acid in combination with other nutrients, making it impossible to isolate its individual effect
- Deficiency is rare in healthy adults eating a varied diet — supplementing without deficiency may offer no benefit
- Products marketed for acne or hair loss often rely on pantothenic acid as a key selling point despite very limited isolated evidence
- Gluten-free or highly restrictive diets (e.g., GFCF in autism) may reduce pantothenic acid intake, warranting dietary assessment rather than automatic supplementation
Products Containing Pantothenic Acid
See how Pantothenic Acid is used in these analyzed products:
Porefavor
IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials
Supplement
Nutrilite Double X
Supplement
Augustinus Bader The Hair Revitalizing Complex
Supplement
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Men's Multivitamin
Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day
Supplement
310 Hydrate Variety Box
Supplement
Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Powder Vanilla
Key Nutrients Electrolyte Recovery Plus Powder
Supplement
Huel Black Edition
Supplement
310 Chocolate Icing Shake
Supplement
Centrum Adults
310 Nutrition Vanilla Crème Shake
Supplement
Alka-Seltzer Energy Boost Tropical Punch
Supplement
Jarrow Formulas B-Right®
Supplement
Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin
Supplement
Gruns
Supplement
Vitabiotics Neuromind Plus
Supplement
Needed Prenatal Multivitamin Powder
SlimFast High Protein Shakes
Weight Loss
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pantothenic Acid do?
Essential B vitamin involved in energy metabolism; low levels linked to hair loss and possibly Parkinson's disease.
What is the effective dose of Pantothenic Acid?
No established dose from provided studies for specific conditions
Is Pantothenic Acid safe?
Most human studies use pantothenic acid in combination with other nutrients, making it impossible to isolate its individual effect
What doesn't Pantothenic Acid do?
No proof it treats Parkinson's disease on its own.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25