Vitamin B5 Foods: A Comprehensive Guide to Pantothenic Acid Sources

The more scientific name for vitamin B5--pantothenic acid--stems from the Greek root, panto, which means "all" or "every." It's a fitting name for a vitamin that is present in almost every food group.

Significance

• Vitamin B5 plays several important roles. Among them: metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as secreting hormones as it supports the adrenal glands.

Other Benefits

• Vitamin B5 might be helpful in fighting allergies and promoting healthy skin, muscles and nerves.

Where It Can Be Found

• B5 is naturally present in poultry, meat, milk, peanuts, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, whole grains and bananas.

Other Sources

• Other food sources for B5 include low-fat yogurt, corn, sunflower seeds, calf liver, squash, broccoli and strawberries.

Warning

• A deficiency of B5 might be indicated through a variety of symptoms. Low energy levels, general fatigue and weakness might signal a need for more B5. Also, arthritic symptoms and a tingling or burning in the feet or legs also might be a sign of B5 deficiency. Because B5 is easily lost in cooking and freezing, eat high B5 foods in their natural, raw form when possible.