Part of coenzyme A and therefore central to energy and fatty-acid metabolism.
Switzerland age 18–65: 5 mg/day.
Almost all foods; rich in meat, eggs, whole grains, mushrooms and avocado.
Very rare; severe experimental deprivation can cause fatigue, irritability, gastrointestinal symptoms and burning feet.
Because it is widespread in food, isolated deficiency is unusual.
No reliable hair or nail signs.
Severe general malnutrition.
Assess diet and the broader deficiency context.
Usually unnecessary; high-dose B5 is not proven to provide “more energy”.
Very high doses can cause diarrhoea and gastrointestinal symptoms.