Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
24706
Summary
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) is a water-soluble vitamin which serves a key role in the synthesis of CoA (coenzyme A), a cofactor in many metabolic reactions. It is also plays a role in fatty acid synthesis, as it is a cofactor for the enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS). Vitamin B5 Deficiency is rare, and primarily presents with symptoms of gastroenteritis (diarrhea), with possible adrenal insufficiency, dermatitis, or alopecia.
Key Points
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
- Essential cofactor for:
- coenzyme A (CoA)
- cofactor for acyl transfers
- key role in first step of TCA cycle (oxaloacetate to citrate)
- fatty acid synthase
- coenzyme A (CoA)
- Essential cofactor for:
- Deficiency (low yield)
- rare, seen in the severely malnourished
- enteritis/GI distress
- dermatis, alopecia, and adrenal insufficiency also seen
- rare, seen in the severely malnourished
Find Vitamin B5 and other Vitamins among Pixorize's visual mnemonics for the USMLE Step 1 and NBME shelf exams.