17 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B5 Deficiency

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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!

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What is Vitamin B5 Deficiency?

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.

How Common is 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.

Who is at Risk of Vitamin B5 Deficiency?

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.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin B5 Deficiency

Readers should note that vitamin B5 deficiency symptoms are infrequent. However, some of the common symptoms are:

These symptoms of vitamin B5 deficiency in adults are also the same in the case of children.

Sr.No. Symptom Description
1 Burning feet Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms such as burning sensations in the feet. This symptom is related to nerve dysfunction caused by inadequate levels of pantothenic acid, which is essential for nerve function.
2 Depression Pantothenic acid synthesises neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are important for regulating mood. Deficiency may contribute to symptoms of depression due to altered neurotransmitter levels.
3 Fatigue Vitamin B5 is crucial for energy metabolism as part of Coenzyme A, which plays a role in converting nutrients into energy. Deficiency can lead to decreased energy production, resulting in fatigue.
4 Insomnia Neurological symptoms of vitamin B5 deficiency may include disturbances in sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia).
5 Irritability Low levels of pantothenic acid can affect neurotransmitter function, potentially leading to mood changes and increased irritability.
6 Stomach pain Vitamin B5 deficiency may affect the digestive system, causing abdominal discomfort or pain, possibly due to its role in maintaining gastrointestinal health.
7 Upper respiratory infections Pantothenic acid supports immune function, and deficiency can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections.
8 Vomiting Severe deficiency of vitamin B5 can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea and vomiting, although this is less common than other symptoms.
9 Muscle cramps Pantothenic acid plays a role in muscle function and may affect muscle contraction and relaxation. Deficiency can contribute to muscle cramps and spasms.
10 Disturbed sleep Alongside insomnia, disturbances in sleep patterns can include restless sleep or frequent awakenings, affecting overall sleep quality.
11 Headache Neurological symptoms of vitamin B5 deficiency may manifest as headaches, possibly due to its role in neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve function.
12 Restlessness Deficiency can lead to feelings of restlessness or an inability to relax, possibly due to the impact on neurotransmitter balance and overall energy levels.
13 Numbness or tingling Peripheral neuropathy can occur, leading to sensations of numbness, tingling, or pins and needles, particularly in the hands and feet.
14 Hypoglycemia-like symptoms Pantothenic acid is involved in glucose metabolism. Deficiency may contribute to hypoglycemia-like symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, and sweating.
15 Impaired coordination Neurological symptoms can include difficulty with coordination and balance, which may affect daily activities and movement.
16 Reduced antibody production Pantothenic acid supports immune function, and deficiency may impair the production of antibodies, affecting the body's ability to fight infections.
17 Skin abnormalities While less common, severe deficiency might lead to skin changes such as dryness, roughness, or dermatitis due to skin barrier function and repair disruptions.

Reasons that Cause 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

Adverse Effects of Vitamin B5 Deficiency in the Long Term

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.

Diagnosis of Vitamin B5 Deficiency

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.

Diseases Caused by Deficiency of Vitamin B5

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.

Best Food Sources to Overcome Vitamin B5 Deficiency

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:

Fruits to Overcome Vitamin B5 Deficiency

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

Sr. No. Fruits Vitamin B5 Content (per 100 grams)
1 California Avocados 1.463 mg
2 Dates 0.805 mg
3 Kiwifruit 0.5 mg
4 Orange Peel 0.49 mg
5 Breadfruit 0.457 mg
6 Guavas 0.451 mg
7 Prune 0.43 mg
8 Currants 0.398 mg
9 Pomegranates 0.377 mg
10 Oranges 0.33 mg

Vegetables to Overcome Vitamin B5 Deficiency

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

Sr. No. Vegetables Vitamin B5 Content (per 100 grams)
1 Shiitake Mushrooms 2.61 mg
2 Cremini Mushrooms 1.08 mg
3 Sweet Potato 1.77 mg
4 Lentils 1.26 mg
5 Dried Peas 1.17 mg
6 Broccoli 0.96 mg
7 Cauliflower 0.63 mg
8 Corn 0.61 mg
9 Winter Squash 0.48 mg
10 Asparagus 0.40 mg

Other Eatables to Overcome Vitamin B5 Deficiency

raw-brown-rice-for-vitamin-b5

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

Sr. No. Food Source Vitamin B5 Content (per 100 grams)
1 Brown Rice 1.3 mg
2 Oatmeal 1.1 mg
3 Cornflakes 0.6 mg
4 Cheese (Cheddar) 0.4 mg
5 Lotus Seeds 3.41 mg
6 Chicken 1.09 mg
7 Salmon 1.92 mg
8 Pork Chops 1.15 mg
9 Beef Kidney 1.56 mg
10 Fish Roe 1.15 mg

Treatment of Vitamin B5 Deficiency

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:

Treatment

Description

Lifestyle Modifications

Encourage lifestyle changes that support overall health and nutrient absorption, such as maintaining a balanced diet, reducing alcohol consumption, and managing any underlying medical conditions.

Dietary Modification

Increase consumption of foods rich in vitamin B5, including:

  •  Organ meats (liver, kidney)
  • Egg yolks
  • Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat)
  • Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
  • Mushrooms
  • Avocados
  • Dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cheese)

Oral Supplementation

If dietary intake alone cannot correct the deficiency, vitamin B5 supplements should be considered. Pantothenic acid supplements are available in various forms, including calcium pantothenate and dexpanthenol (the alcohol form of pantothenic acid).

Response Monitoring

Monitor clinical symptoms and biochemical markers to assess response to treatment. Adjust supplementation based on the patient's response and biochemical tests, if available.

Consultation with Healthcare Providers

Always consult with healthcare providers, particularly a registered dietitian or nutritionist, for personalised advice on diet modification and supplementation.

How to Prevent & Overcome Vitamin B5 Deficiency?

The best way to overcome vitamin B5 deficiency is to consume a balanced diet.

The table below shows the daily intake amount for vitamin B5.

Category of People (by age) Daily Intake Amount
6 months or younger 1.7 mg
7 months to 1 year 1.8 mg
1 year to 3 years 2 mg
4 years to 8 years 3 mg
9 years to 13 years 4 mg
14 years and older 5 mg

How Long Does It Take to Correct 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.

FAQs about Vitamin B5 Deficiency