Pantothenic acid (B5)

Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that belongs to the group of B vitamins. It is also known as vitamin B5.

Pantothenic acid is a component of enzymes and is therefore contained in all living cells. It is therefore involved in a variety of life-sustaining chemical reactions. It plays a crucial role in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. As a component of coenzyme A, it helps to convert the food consumed into energy that the body can use.

Pantothenic acid is found in many skin care products in the form of dexpanthenol. Shampoo manufacturers also rely on the power of vitamins such as pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid is therefore contained in many hair care products.

The permissible health claims regarding pantothenic acid are as follows:
- Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy metabolism.
- Pantothenic acid contributes to the normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters.
- Pantothenic acid helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.
- Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance.

The Greek word "pantothenic" means "everywhere". The name is not a coincidence: pantothenic acid is actually found in almost all foods. Accordingly, it is not particularly difficult to get enough of it through daily diet.

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) recommends a daily intake of 6 mg per day. The FOPH has not set a maximum upper limit.

6mg of pantothenic acid are contained, for example, in:
275g mushrooms, raw and steamed
300g salmon, raw 220g peanuts, roasted
400g oat flakes
460g chickpeas, dried

Please note that pantothenic acid is very sensitive to heat. Foods containing pantothenic acid should therefore only be prepared gently or, ideally, not heated at all.