Vitamin B-5 belongs to the family of B vitamins, and like all other members of the family it is water soluble, which means that the human body can not store it. Also known as pantothenic acid, it is the amide between pantothenic acid and β-alanine. It is found in small amounts in the natural environment, mainly in several foods such as whole grains, egg yolks, liver and dried mushrooms.

        Vitamin B-5 is found in almost every living cell as a component of coenzyme A (CoA). Coenzyme A is an essential factor in the production of energy from fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Also, coenzyme A is required for the acylation and acetylation reactions, which are involved in signal transduction and the activation and deactivation of enzymes, respectively.

Vitamin B-5 plays an important role in several biosynthetic reactions, while it is essential in lipid metabolism, cholesterol synthesis, neurotransmitter production, production of red blood cells and adrenal secretions related to the production of sex hormones in the body. In addition it is vital in many cellular functions, and in maintaining a healthy cellular metabolism. It is an integral part of all life forms. As a result, vitamin B-5 deficiency can cause a number of side effects.