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

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) vs. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

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

Comparing:
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

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 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.

View full Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) spec sheet →

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)