Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

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
• Deficiency (low yield)
  • rare, seen in the severely malnourished
    • enteritis/GI distress
    • dermatis, alopecia, and adrenal insufficiency also seen

Find Vitamin B5 and other Vitamins among Pixorize's visual mnemonics for the USMLE Step 1 and NBME shelf exams.