# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Essential Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) vs. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) →

Vitamin B2 is an essential water-soluble isoalloxazine vitamin serving as the core structural component of Flavin Mononucleotide (FMN) and Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) coenzymes in cellular redox respiration. Adult RDA is 1.3 mg (men) / 1.1 mg (women).

View full Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) spec sheet →
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) →

Vitamin B5 is an essential water-soluble vitamin required for the synthesis of Coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP), vital in fatty acid synthesis and beta-oxidation. Adequate Intake (AI) is 5.0 mg/day (no Upper Limit established).

View full Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

10 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Nutrient Type
Water-Soluble Isoalloxazine Vitamin Water-Soluble Amide Vitamin
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
None Established (Saturates intestinal absorption at ~27mg; excreted as harmless bright yellow urine) None Established (Extremely low toxicity)
Chemical Forms
Riboflavin, Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate (FMN), Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) D-Pantothenic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate (Stable synthetic), Pantethine (Active dimer)
Primary Biological Function
Complex I and Complex II mitochondrial electron transport chain cytochromes, Glutathione Reductase, B6/Folate activation Coenzyme A (CoA) backbone (Acetyl-CoA, Succinyl-CoA), Acyl Carrier Protein in fatty acid synthase, Steroid hormone synthesis
Deficiency Condition
Ariboflavinosis (Angular cheilitis / cracked lip corners, glossitis / magenta tongue, seborrheic dermatitis) Extremely rare ('Pantothen' = everywhere in foods); 'Burning Feet' syndrome (paresthesia), fatigue
Top Whole Food Sources
Beef Liver, Dairy Milk, Greek Yogurt, Eggs, Almonds, Portobello Mushrooms, Spinach Shiitake Mushrooms, Beef Liver, Chicken Liver, Sunflower Seeds, Egg Yolk, Hass Avocado, Whole Milk
Adult RDA / RDI
1.3 mg / day (Men) / 1.1 mg / day (Women) —
Photodegradation Vulnerability
Extremely light-sensitive (dairy milk stored in clear glass loses 50% riboflavin within 2 hours of sunlight exposure) —
Adult Adequate Intake (AI)
— 5.0 mg / day (6.0mg pregnancy, 7.0mg lactation)
Thermal Processing Losses
— 20–50% lost during meat canning, boiling, and flour milling refining

Other Alternatives to Compare

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