Pantothenate, or vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA), which is vital for energy metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. It supports healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver function and is naturally present in a wide range of foods such as eggs, meat, whole grains, and vegetables. Historically, the vitamin was first recognized in the 1930s when dietary deficiencies were linked to growth retardation and skin disorders in animals. In 1933, Roger J. Williams and colleagues successfully isolated and identified it, naming it “pantothenic acid” from the Greek "pantothen", meaning “from everywhere,” due to its ubiquitous presence in foods. Today, pantothenate is widely used as a dietary supplement and in fortified foods to support metabolism and prevent deficiency-related health issues.
