Definition

Pantothenic acid (B5) and biotin (B7) are types of B vitamins. They are water-soluble, which means that the body can't store them. If the body can't use the entire vitamin, the extra amount leaves the body through the urine. The body keeps a small reserve of these vitamins. They have to be taken on a regular basis to maintain the reserve.

Alternative Names

Pantothenic acid; Pantethine; Vitamin B5; Vitamin B7

Function

Pantothenic acid and biotin are needed for growth. They help the body break down and use food. This is called metabolism. They are both required for making fatty acids.

Pantothenic acid also plays a role in the production of hormones and cholesterol. In addition, it is used in the conversion of pyruvate, a substance that is essential to many metabolic pathways in the body.

Food Sources

Almost all plant- and animal-based foods contain pantothenic acid in varying amounts, though food processing can cause a significant loss.

Pantothenic acid is found in foods that are good sources of B vitamins, including the following:

• Animal proteins
• Avocado
• Broccoli, kale, and other vegetables in the cabbage family
• Eggs
• Legumes and lentils
• Milk
• Mushrooms
• Organ meats
• Poultry
• White and sweet potatoes
• Whole-grain cereals
• Yeast

Biotin is found in foods that are good sources of B vitamins, including:

• Cereal
• Chocolate
• Egg yolk
• Legumes
• Milk
• Nuts
• Organ meats (liver, kidney)
• Pork
• Yeast

Side Effects

Lack of pantothenic acid is very rare, but can cause a tingling feeling in the feet (paresthesia). Lack of biotin may lead to muscle pain, dermatitis, or glossitis (swelling of the tongue). Signs of biotin deficiency include skin rashes, hair loss, and brittle nails.

Large doses of pantothenic acid do not cause symptoms, other than (possibly) diarrhea. There are no known toxic symptoms from biotin.

Recommendations

REFERENCE INTAKES

Recommendations for pantothenic acid and biotin, as well as other nutrients, are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. DRI is a term for a set of reference intakes that are used to plan and assess the nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values, which vary by age and sex, include:

• Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): average daily level of intake that is enough to meet the nutrient needs of nearly all (97% to 98%) healthy people.
• Adequate Intake (AI): established when there is not enough evidence to develop an RDA. It is set at a level that is thought to ensure enough nutrition.

Dietary Reference Intakes for pantothenic acid:

• Age 0 to 6 months: 1.7* milligrams per day (mg/day)
• Age 7 to 12 months: 1.8* mg/day
• Age 1 to 3 years: 2* mg/day
• Age 4 to 8 years: 3* mg/day
• Age 9 to 13 years: 4* mg/day
• Age 14 and older: 5* mg/day
• 6* mg/day during pregnancy
• Lactation: 7* mg/day

*Adequate Intake (AI)

Dietary Reference Intakes for biotin:

• Age 0 to 6 months: 5* micrograms per day (mcg/day)
• Age 7 to 12 months: 6* mcg/day
• Age 1 to 3 years: 8* mcg/day
• Age 4 to 8 years: 12* mcg/day
• Age 9 to 13 years: 20* mcg/day
• Age 14 to 18 years: 25* mcg/day
• 19 and older: 30* mcg/day (including women who are pregnant)
• Lactating women: 35* mcg/day

*Adequate Intake (AI)

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods.

Specific recommendations depend on age, sex, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need higher amounts. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

References

Markell M, Siddiqi HA. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 27.

Mason JB, Booth SL. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 205.

National Institutes of Health website. Pantothenic Acid: fact sheet for health professionals. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/PantothenicAcid-HealthProfessional/. Updated March 26, 2021. Accessed February 21, 2023.