What is Vitamin B5 deficiency?

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is present in almost all plant and animal-based foods, so deficiency is rare except in people with severe malnutrition. Primary groups at risk are those with a rare genetic disorder called pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration.

Common vitamin B5 deficiency symptoms:

  • Numbness
  • Burning of hands
  • Burning of feet
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Sleeping problems
  • Stomach pain
  • Heartburn
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite

What causes a vitamin B5 deficiency?

  • Severe malnutrition
  • Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN)

Further reading: National Institutes of Health (1),(2)