Vitamin B5 (WBC)

How it gets depleted:

It is possible to block absorption of B5 in the intestines by taking high doses of supplemental biotin.

Clinical Manifestations of Depletion:

Deficiency of B5 is very rare, however, in a diet that is high in biotin, or if high dose biotin supplementation occurs, B5 may become conditionally deficient due to competition for the same uptake receptor in the intestine.

Supplement Options:

There is currently no RDA established for B5. The AI for B5 is 5 mg/day in adults, 6 mg/day during pregnancy, and 7 mg/day during lactation. Because breakdown of B5 is metabolicallyslow, and deficiency is trare, there is probably no need for supplementation.

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Correlation between WBC ("Cellular") and serum levels:

WBC - deficient and...

Serum levels normal/excess: 

Short term status of micronutrients is optiomal, but cellular absorption may be a problem. 

Possible interventions:

- Increase dietary intake of nutrient

- increase supplementation dosage

- consider status of synergistic nutrients for cellular absorption

- consider levels of oxidative stress on nutrient depletion

- consider follow up testing to identify the source of malabsorption

Serum levels deficient: 

Short term and long term status of micronutrients is not optimal, suggesting low dietary intake and both intestinal and cellular malabsorption as possible causes.

Possible interventions:

- Increase dietary intake of nutrient

- increase supplementation dosage

- medications may have an effect on depletion

- consider follow up testing to identify the source of malabsorption

Vitamin B5 is part of the structural component of coenzyme A. It is also important for synthesis of red blood cells, sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and vitamin D. Another significant function of B5 is to work with carnitine and CoQ10 for fatty acid oxidation/metabolism.