Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) !

Pantothenic acid forms coenzyme A, which carries acyl groups such as acetyl in fat, sugar and protein metabolism.

Updated 2026-11-01

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Key facts

Active form: coenzyme A (CoA) and the phosphopantetheine of fatty acid synthase's acyl carrier domain.
CoA binds acids through a high-energy thioester bond (acetyl-CoA, succinyl-CoA, acyl-CoA).
It is needed by PDH, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, β-oxidation, cholesterol and ketone body synthesis and drug acetylation.
It is in nearly every food (pantos = everywhere): isolated deficiency is very rare.

Sources: meat, organ meats, eggs, legumes, avocado, mushrooms, whole grains; gut bacteria also make it.
CoA synthesis: pantothenate kinase phosphorylates it (the rate-limiting step), cysteine is added (supplying the thiol group), and ATP then builds the adenosine 3′-phosphate part.
The terminal SH group (from cysteamine) is what forms the thioester with acyl groups.
Deficiency (experimental or in severe malnutrition): burning feet syndrome, paraesthesia, fatigue, irritability.
Excess: not toxic; very high doses may cause diarrhoea.
Lab: not measured routinely; urine or blood pantothenate assays exist for research.

Pantoic acid joined to β-alanine by an amide bond.
In CoA: pantothenate + cysteamine + ADP with an extra phosphate on the ribose 3′ carbon.

Mutations in pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2) cause neurodegeneration with iron accumulation in the globus pallidus (the 'eye of the tiger' sign on MRI).
N-acetyltransferase uses acetyl-CoA to acetylate isoniazid, hydralazine and procainamide; slow acetylators have more adverse effects.
Dexpanthenol (the alcohol of pantothenate) is used in creams and for mucosal healing.

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

Which coenzyme is made from pantothenic acid?

Coenzyme A, and also the phosphopantetheine of fatty acid synthase.

What kind of bond does coenzyme A form with acyl groups?

A thioester between its terminal SH group and the acid's carboxyl; a high-energy bond.

Why is pantothenic acid deficiency so rare?

It is present in almost all foods, hence its name (from the Greek pantos, everywhere).

Which disease do PANK2 mutations cause?

Neurodegeneration with iron accumulation in the globus pallidus, with the 'eye of the tiger' sign on MRI.

Molecules are shown in their neutral form, as the databases deposit them; in the cell the acids and phosphates are ionised.

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: Pantothenic Acid (CID 6613) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026) · Public domain; Pantothenic acid and biotin: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026); Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration: MedlinePlus Genetics (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026); Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students, 6th ed. (Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (Vasudevan DM, Sreekumari S, Vaidyanathan K), 2011).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.