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[Biochemistry](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/) · Molecule

# 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.

## In detail

- 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.

**Also called**
Vitamin B5, Pantothenate, Coenzyme A

**Formula**
C₉H₁₇NO₅

**PubChem**
[CID 6613](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6613)

## Structure

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

## Clinical notes

- 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.

## Pathways

- [Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/krebs-cycle/)

## Related

- [Acetyl-CoA](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/acetyl-coa/)
- [Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/enzymes/pyruvate-dehydrogenase-complex/)
- [α-Ketoglutarate dehydrogenase](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/enzymes/ketoglutarate-dehydrogenase/)
- [Biotin (vitamin B7)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/biotin/)

## Test yourself

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.

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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)](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6613) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026) · Public domain; [Pantothenic acid and biotin: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002410.htm) (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026); [Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration: MedlinePlus Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/pantothenate-kinase-associated-neurodegeneration/) (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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