Master Vitamin B5 (Pantothenate) with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

Pantothenate is an alternative name for vitamin B5.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase converts pyruvate to acetyl CoA, which then enters the TCA cycle (Krebs cycle) for ATP production.

Pantothenate, or vitamin B5, is required for the synthesis of coenzyme A. CoA is important in energy metabolism for pyruvate to enter the TCA cycle. It is also necessary for the formation of fatty acids, cholesterol and acetylcholine.

Fatty acid synthase is another enzyme which requires coenzyme A. This enzyme is used in the synthesis of fatty acids.

Enteritis, or inflammation of the small intestine, can result from a deficiency in vitamin B5.

A nonspecific rash can result from a deficiency in vitamin B5.

Alopecia, which means hair loss, can result from a deficiency in vitamin B5.

Adrenal insufficiency can result from the vitamin B5 deficiency. This occurs as a direct result of the limited ability to synthesize hormones due to decreased production of fatty acids necessary to make hormones.