Vitamin B5: Is It Safe?

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is an essential vitamin found in a wide variety of foods. It may help to heal wounds and lower cholesterol, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Fatigue and burning feet may be caused by a deficiency of vitamin B5.

Function

Vitamin B5 is essential for turning fats, proteins and carbohydrates into energy. It is necessary for the body to make essential fatty acids and for modifying proteins so they can be used for different functions. Pantothenic acid also helps to keep the skin healthy.

Sources

Mushrooms and cauliflower are particularly good sources of vitamin B5. Other sources include avocado, broccoli, calf's liver, chard, chicken, collard greens, corn, eggs, lentils, milk, split peas, strawberries, sunflower seeds, sweet potato, tomato, turnip greens, winter squash and yogurt.

Recommended Intake

Infants up to 6 months old need 1.7 mg per day of vitamin B5, and those between 7 and 12 months old need 1.8 mg per day. Children from 1 to 3 years old need 2 mg per day of vitamin B5, those from 4 to 8 years old need 3 mg per day and those from 9 to 13 years old need 4 mg per day. Adolescents between 14 and 18 years old need 5 mg per day, and adults need 5 mg per day. Pregnant women need 6 mg per day of vitamin B5 and breastfeeding women need 7 mg per day.

Safety Considerations

There are no known adverse interactions of vitamin B5 with any medications nor any evidence of vitamin B5 toxicity; although taking large amounts may cause some intestinal distress, such as heartburn and nausea, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

Those with hemophilia shouldn't take vitamin B5 supplements, however, since vitamin B5 could increase the time it takes for bleeding to stop, according to Medline Plus. Additionally, taking birth control pills may increase the need for vitamin B5, the Linus Pauling Institute reports.

Other Considerations

Vitamin C can decrease the risk of vitamin B5 deficiency, and biotin, folate and vitamin B12 are necessary for the body to make proper use of vitamin B5, as the B vitamins often work together.