Pantothenic Acid - Vitamin B5

​Function: 
Pantothenic Acid is needed to use energy in the body and to build cholesterol, bile salts, hormones, and fatty acids. 

Deficiency: 
Pantothenic Acid deficiency leads to symptoms of vomiting, fatigue, weakness, restlessness, irritability, and “burning feet syndrome”. 

Sources & Absorption:
The body is unable to store Pantothenic Acid for later use, therefore it must be consumed daily or every few days.  Pantothenic Acid is found in almost all plant and animal foods.  Pantothenic Acid is generally easily absorbed.

Toxicity:
Since Pantothenic Acid is not stored in the body, there is no risk of long-term toxicity.  However, excessive supplementing may result in temporary intestinal distress and diarrhea.

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* This information is not intended to encourage self-supplementation.   As you will read in individual nutrient content, self-supplementation can be unnecessary or even dangerous.  I highly recommend micro-nutrient blood testing before choosing to take any supplements that are not whole-foods based.
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References:
Gropper SS, Smith JL, Groff JL. Advanced nutrition and human metabolism. 5th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth; 2009.
Mahan L, Escott-Stump S, Raymond J. Krauses's food and the nutrition care process. 13th ed. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Saunders; 2012.