17 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B5 Deficiency

Vitamin B5 deficiency by itself is pretty rare. It usually occurs in combination with the deficiency of other vitamins. This nutrient deficiency can be found in those suffering from acute malnutrition or severe alcoholism.

To know all about vitamin B5 deficiency, the symptoms, causes, and associated risks, read below!

As already mentioned, vitamin B5 deficiency is extremely rare in the developed parts of the world. Also known as pantothenic acid, vitamin B5 is found in almost all foods. Therefore, with a proper diet, everyone gets at least their daily required amount naturally from the foods they eat.

On the other hand, the lack of vitamin B5 in the body compared to the recommended levels is referred to as a vitamin B5 deficiency.

Vitamin B5 deficiency, or pantothenic acid deficiency, is rare. Vitamin B5 is found in a wide variety of foods, which makes it generally easy to obtain through a regular diet. Common sources include meats, vegetables, cereals, legumes, eggs, and milk. Because of its abundance in many foods, most people get enough vitamin B5 without needing to think about it.

However, certain groups may be at risk of vitamin B5 deficiency. These include people with severe malnutrition, those with specific absorption disorders, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, and individuals who consume highly processed diets lacking in variety.

There is only one group of people who are at risk of pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 deficiency.

Such people have a genetic mutation of the pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2) gene. This genetic mutation results in pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN).

PKAN develops when the pantothenic acid is not fully converted to coenzyme A.

Besides, those people who are malnourished are also at risk of suffering from vitamin B5 deficiency.

Usually, vitamin B5 deficiency is caused by a genetic mutation where pantothenic acid cannot be metabolised. The disorder is known as pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN).

Apart from this, malnourishment also results in vitamin B5 deficiency.

Vitamin B5 Deficiency Diseases

Firstly, vitamin B5 deficiency diseases do not exist. 

However, the vitamin is used in the treatment of several conditions, such as: 

• Yeast infections
• Wound healing
• Tongue infections
• Salicylate toxicity
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Respiratory disorders
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Obesity
• Neuralgia
• Muscular dystrophy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Low blood sugar
• Low blood pressure
• Leg cramps
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Heart failure
• Headaches
• Enlarged prostate
• Dizziness
• Diabetic nerve pain
• Depression
• Dandruff
• Cystitis
• Convulsions
• Conjunctivitis
• Colitis
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Celiac disease
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Burning feet syndrome
• Baldness
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Alcoholism
• ADHD
• Acne

As already mentioned, the effects of vitamin B5 deficiency do not directly result in any diseases.

However, you may notice some of those symptoms as stated above. Ingestion of large amounts of vitamin B5 results in diarrhoea.

Diagnosing vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) deficiency typically involves several methods to assess levels in the body and to correlate these with clinical symptoms. Here are the primary methods used for diagnosis

Clinical Assessment

Clinical assessment involves evaluating the patient's medical history and presenting symptoms. Symptoms such as fatigue, neurological issues (numbness, tingling, burning feet), gastrointestinal disturbances, and skin abnormalities can suggest vitamin B5 deficiency. Clinical assessment provides initial clues but is not definitive without biochemical confirmation.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are used to measure levels of pantothenic acid in the blood. However, there is no standardised or widely accepted clinical cutoff for deficiency. Blood samples are collected, and the concentration of pantothenic acid in the serum or plasma is measured using laboratory techniques.

Urinary Pantothenate Excretion Test

This test measures the excretion of pantothenate (a form of vitamin B5) in urine after a loading dose of the vitamin. The patient consumes a high dose of pantothenic acid orally. Urine is then collected over several hours, and the concentration of pantothenate in the urine is measured.

Functional Tests

Functional tests assess specific biochemical pathways dependent on pantothenic acid. For instance, measuring Coenzyme A (CoA) levels in blood or tissues can indirectly indicate vitamin B5 status. These tests involve complex biochemical analyses conducted in specialised laboratories.

Response to Supplementation

In cases where the diagnosis is uncertain but deficiency is suspected based on symptoms, response to vitamin B5 supplementation can be diagnostic. Patients are given therapeutic doses of pantothenic acid orally. Improvement in symptoms (such as fatigue, neurological symptoms, and gastrointestinal issues) after supplementation supports the deficiency diagnosis.

Vitamin B5 deficiency in the body can exacerbate symptoms like exhaustion, irritability, sleeplessness, and restlessness. The production of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates requires pantothenic acid. Vitamin B5 deficiency in the body can exacerbate symptoms like exhaustion, irritability, sleeplessness, and restlessness.

Adding the best food sources packed with vitamin B5 is the best way to beat deficiency. The tables below have many fruits, vegetables and food sources to choose from:

Try these juicy fruits to increase your vitamin B5 levels. Pick any from the table below to add to your diet:

The vegetables below are the best examples of vitamin B5 rich vegetables. Check the tables below to choose any vegetable:

Here are a few more choices other than fruits and vegetables to add to your adequate for adequate vitamin B5 intake:

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) deficiency treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and replenishing deficient levels through dietary changes and supplementation. Here's a comprehensive approach to treating vitamin B5 deficiency:

The time taken to correct vitamin B5 deficiency varies from person to person. In addition, it depends on underlying factors such as health, age, sex, etc. Therefore, consult with a doctor to know more about what suits you the best.

In conclusion, vitamin B5 deficiency is very rare in the developed world. However, those who suffer from this ailment may also be suffering from several other vitamin deficiencies.