Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) vs. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
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).
Vitamin C is a water-soluble electron donor and antioxidant essential for collagen proline/lysine hydroxylation, non-heme iron absorption, and immune phagocyte function. Adult RDA is 90mg (men) / 75mg (women), with a Tolerable Upper Limit of 2,000mg/day.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Nutrient Type
|
Water-Soluble Amide Vitamin | Water-Soluble Vitamin |
|
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
|
None Established (Extremely low toxicity) | 2,000 mg / day (Avoid osmotic diarrhea) |
|
Chemical Forms
|
D-Pantothenic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate (Stable synthetic), Pantethine (Active dimer) | L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Calcium Ascorbate |
|
Primary Biological Function
|
Coenzyme A (CoA) backbone (Acetyl-CoA, Succinyl-CoA), Acyl Carrier Protein in fatty acid synthase, Steroid hormone synthesis | Prolyl/Lysyl Hydroxylase cofactor (Collagen), ROS scavenger, Carnitine synthesis |
|
Deficiency Condition
|
Extremely rare ('Pantothen' = everywhere in foods); 'Burning Feet' syndrome (paresthesia), fatigue | Scurvy (Collagen breakdown, capillary fragility, impaired wound healing) |
|
Top Whole Food Sources
|
Shiitake Mushrooms, Beef Liver, Chicken Liver, Sunflower Seeds, Egg Yolk, Hass Avocado, Whole Milk | Red Bell Pepper, Strawberries, Citrus, Kiwi, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts |
|
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 | — |
|
Adult RDA / RDI
|
— | 90 mg (Men) / 75 mg (Women) (+35mg for smokers) |
|
Thermolability
|
— | Highly heat- and oxygen-sensitive (degrades rapidly with prolonged boiling) |