Pantothenic Acid & Your Brain (Vitamin B5)

Have you ever wondered how and why certain nutrients can help your Head [1st Brain] function a bit better? To be a bit sharper and more focused on the tasks at hand?

It's fascinating, really. One such neuro-nutrient is Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5). While often overshadowed by other nutrients when it comes to nootropics, Pantothenic Acid is part of many important biochemical processes for cognitive health.*

But how exactly can Vitamin B5 support your head-brain health? And more importantly, how can it contribute to the overall well-being of the head-heart-gut axis?

Well, simply put: It can do a lot! No wonder we chose Pantothenic Acid as an essential neuro-nutrient in many of our advanced HCF® nootropics. Let’s break it down:

Need a morning boost? Pantothenic Acid may help you with that.

Here's an interesting fact for you: That healthy morning breakfast? It doesn't instantly turn into usable nutrients for your body. Instead, food goes on a remarkable journey to become the essential 'building blocks' all your three brains (head, heart, and gut) need to function properly.

Digestion starts in the mouth, where food is broken down into smaller pieces. Salivary enzymes begin the molecular breakdown into smaller molecules (glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids). These molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells throughout the body.

Inside cells, glucose undergoes glycolysis to produce pyruvate, which is then converted to Acetyl-CoA. Fatty acids and some amino acids also convert to Acetyl-CoA. (Which then enters the citric acid cycle—Krebs cycle—in the mitochondria, producing energy, carbon dioxide, and electron carriers).¹

Did you know?

The citric acid cycle is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide and water. It occurs in the mitochondria and is a key component of cellular respiration.

OK, but what does all this have to do with Pantothenic Acid? Glad you asked :-)

Vitamin B5 may contribute to normal mental performance.*

The same nerve doesn't stretch across the entire length of your body. When you stub your toe, it's not a single nerve connecting your foot to your Head [1st brain] that will 'react.' Instead, millions of neurons communicate with each other end-to-end, forming an entire complex network throughout your body for that pain message to travel.

Where two nerves meet is called a 'synapse,' a tiny gap between the end of one nerve and the start of the next. So, how does a message like "Ouch!" journey from one nerve to another until it reaches your head-brain, triggering a pain reaction? The answer lies in a set of chemicals called 'neurotransmitters.'

These chemicals convey messages by moving from one nerve to the next. One of the most prevalent neurotransmitters is Acetylcholine—and Pantothenic Acid may be essential in producing it.*²

In fact, that's why Vitamin B5 deficiency (when neurotransmitter production may be hindered) could lead to mood changes, short temper, fatigue, poor sleep quality, and digestive issues (like abdominal discomfort).*³

Not to mention, Acetylcholine is involved in the formation and retrieval of memories, as well as the regulation of attention and focus. Low acetylcholine levels may lead to cognitive difficulties and memory problems.*⁴

OK, I get it. I shouldn’t skip on my Pantothenic Acid. But how can I make sure I get enough of it?

Glad you asked! :-) Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get good amounts of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) into your diet:

Take avocados. They are not only rich in Pantothenic Acid but also packed with healthy fats, fiber, and other nutrients—a truly versatile food that can be used in everything from salads to smoothies.

Same with chicken (particularly chicken liver). It's a lean protein that can be prepared in various ways, making it a staple in many diets.

Whole grains, eggs, legumes, mushrooms, and certain types of fish (like salmon) or seafood (lobster) are also rich in this nutrient. Even some dairy products, like yogurt and milk, contain reasonable Pantothenic Acid amounts.

While most get enough vitamin B5 from their diet, some may still struggle due to dietary restrictions, poor nutrient absorption, or increased nutritional needs. Vegetarians, vegans, and those with certain digestive conditions might miss out on B5-rich foods like meat, fish, and dairy. Seniors often have decreased nutrient absorption, and individuals with high physical activity levels may require more vitamin B5.*

That's where a quality product (like our advanced HCF® nootropics) may help bridge this gap. Our nootropics provide a balanced blend of neuro-nutrients to support cognitive, heart, and gut health.*