Vitamin B5 is also called pantothenic acid. It's part of a B complex of vitamins necessary for individual health. Vitamin B5 is found in many different sources, leading some nutritional experts call it a "universal" element.

It's lucky that vitamin B5 is so ubiquitous in nature, because it does some important things for the body. Vitamin B5 is what helps turn carbohydrates into energy, processing food into fuel. According to some experts, it also supports the adrenal glands, helping humans to respond to high stress situations as well as the overall continual stress factors that most of us deal with every single day. A vitamin B5 deficiency can lead to fatigue and weakness, as well as other symptoms like strange burning and tingling sensations in the limbs.

Foods Rich in Vitamin B5

For those interested in making sure they have an adequate supply of vitamin B5, there are several foods that really pack a punch. Here are some of the common choices for balancing your diet.

1. Calf's Liver - This seemingly strange choice is, according to some nutritional sources, among the foods most densely packed with vitamin B5 and other nutritional items. However, it's also relatively hard to come by, and may be difficult to cook.
2. Sunflower Seeds - This popular snack is also a top source of vitamin B5 and other vitamins and minerals.
3. Corn - This plant in all its many popular uses is a source of many vitamins, including vitamin B5, and a versatile addition to the common dinner plate. However, watch out for excessive corn in the form of high fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, which includes a lot of calories in sugars that may not be healthy for the body over time.
4. Broccoli - This green plant delivers vitamin B5 and much, much more. Try it lightly steamed for a better chance at getting most of the nutrients originally packed into the food, where boiling this kind of food source can cause some of the nutrients to leach out into the water.
5. Squash - This hearty food, a healthy substitute for potatoes, also includes a significant amount of vitamin B5.
6. Eggs - Besides being an effective source of protein, eggs also include vitamin B5, which is part of what makes them a popular power diet for the morning meal.
7. Mushrooms - These naturally occurring foods are also good for delivering vitamin B5 and other nutritional items to the plate. However, those who find them wild must take care to use extreme caution to avoid eating poisonous varieties.

These are some of the top choices for making sure your meals include a good amount of vitamin B5, to promote overall good health, abundant energy and the tools we need to handle the challenges of the day. Learn more about how to include all of the necessary nutrients in meals, not only to avoid vitamin deficiencies, but to proactively build a better body and body responses for quality of life and longevity.