Meta Information

ID:vitamin-b5

Name:Vitamin B5

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Pantothenic Acid

Active Compound

Pantothenic Acid

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Regulatory Status

• us:dietary_supplement

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Supports fundamental metabolic processes by serving as a precursor to Coenzyme A (CoA), essential for energy production and synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and hormones.

Typical Protocol

• The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is 5 mg per day, typically obtained through a balanced diet.
• Supplementation is generally not required for healthspan as deficiency is extremely rare.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

5

High Cost:

15

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Widely available and inexpensive over-the-counter supplement; not covered by insurance.

Summary

Vitamin B5 is an essential nutrient that serves as the precursor to Coenzyme A (CoA), a critical molecule in cellular metabolism. CoA is vital for the citric acid cycle (energy production), as well as the synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids. Maintaining adequate B5 levels is foundational for cellular energy and metabolic health, though supplementation beyond dietary intake has not been shown to extend healthspan in non-deficient individuals.

Purpose

Essential precursor for Coenzyme A, supporting cellular energy metabolism.

Card Summary

An essential B vitamin required for Coenzyme A synthesis, crucial for energy production and fatty acid metabolism. Deficiency is rare.

Drug Class

null

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

2.5

Justification:

Essential for metabolism, but deficiency is rare and supra-physiological doses lack healthspan evidence.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

4

Justification:

Well-established as an essential nutrient, but limited human data for supplemental healthspan benefits.

Safety

Score:

2

Justification:

Water-soluble vitamin with no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL); extremely safe.

Flags

• Very high doses (grams per day) may cause mild diarrhea or stomach upset.
• No significant drug interactions are widely reported.

Verdict

Essential nutrient easily obtained from diet; supplementation is generally unnecessary.

Created

2026-05-06T18:24:58.036937Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)