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

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) vs. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

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

Comparing:
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic 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 →

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.

View full Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) spec sheet →

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)