The everyday one
Calcium pantothenate
The common, stable form in supplements.
Good for: Everyday use
What variations of pantothenic acid exist?
Used to make coenzyme A, which cells need to make energy, fats, and some hormones. It's found in so many foods that deficiency is rare. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
- Also consider
- Heart & cholesterol: the cholesterol-study one (Pantethine)
Every form, in plain words
The everyday one
Calcium pantothenate
The common, stable form in supplements.
Good for: Everyday use
The cholesterol-study one
Pantethine
An active form. The one studied for cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of blood fat).
Good for: Heart & cholesterol
The skin and hair one
Panthenol (dexpanthenol)
Mostly used in skin creams and hair products, not swallowed.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Calcium pantothenate' on the label (the everyday one)
Watch out for
- Adrenal or stress formulas that pair B5 with herbs or gland extracts. Check every ingredient.
- Large amounts sold for acne, which can cause loose stools
Check with your provider first if…
- You take cholesterol medicine and are thinking about pantethine
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding. The amount in a prenatal is fine. Ask before adding more.
- Diarrhea or stomach upset can happen with large amounts
In Dr. Lesher's store
4 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary have pantothenic acid. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
MegaFood
Baby & Me 2™
Has calcium pantothenate (the everyday one)
5 mg per serving
MegaFood
Baby & Me 2™ Postnatal Multi
Has calcium pantothenate (the everyday one)
3.5 mg per serving
Designs for Health
CatecholaCalm™
Has calcium pantothenate (the everyday one)
16.67 mg per serving
BioPharma Scientific
nanoLEAN®, Natural Berry
Has calcium pantothenate (the everyday one)
2.5 mg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.