Why you need it
Pantothenic acid is needed to make coenzyme A, which helps turn food into energy, build fatty acids and cholesterol, produce steroid hormones, and create the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Do you need to track it
The name comes from the Greek word 'pantothen,' meaning 'from all sides' — vitamin B5 is found in most foods, so deficiency is rare if you eat a varied diet. The daily value is 5 mg.