Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) vs. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
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 D3 is a secosteroid prohormone synthesized endogenously in skin via solar UVB irradiation of 7-dehydrocholesterol. Adult RDA is 600–800 IU (15–20µg), with a Tolerable Upper Limit of 4,000 IU (100µg)/day, regulating systemic calcium absorption and immune gene expression.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Nutrient Type
|
Water-Soluble Amide Vitamin | Fat-Soluble Secosteroid Prohormone |
|
Tolerable Upper Limit (UL)
|
None Established (Extremely low toxicity) | 4,000 IU / day (100 µg) (Endocrine Society: up to 10,000 IU safe) |
|
Chemical Forms
|
D-Pantothenic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate (Stable synthetic), Pantethine (Active dimer) | Cholecalciferol (D3 - Animal/Lichen), Ergocalciferol (D2 - Fungi) |
|
Primary Biological Function
|
Coenzyme A (CoA) backbone (Acetyl-CoA, Succinyl-CoA), Acyl Carrier Protein in fatty acid synthase, Steroid hormone synthesis | Calcitriol receptor (VDR) activation, intestinal calcium/phosphorus absorption, antimicrobial peptide synthesis |
|
Deficiency Condition
|
Extremely rare ('Pantothen' = everywhere in foods); 'Burning Feet' syndrome (paresthesia), fatigue | Rickets (children), Osteomalacia (adults), Immune dysregulation |
|
Top Whole Food Sources
|
Shiitake Mushrooms, Beef Liver, Chicken Liver, Sunflower Seeds, Egg Yolk, Hass Avocado, Whole Milk | Sunlight UVB, Atlantic Salmon, Sardines, Egg Yolk, Fortified Milk |
|
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
|
— | 600 – 800 IU / day (15 – 20 µg) |
|
Target Serum 25(OH)D Level
|
— | 30 – 50 ng / mL (75 – 125 nmol / L) |