The Ecology of Humans (46-2-4) Vitamin B5

 B₅

Vitamin B₅ (C₉H₁₇NO₅; pantothenic acid) is necessary to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and to synthesize ATP, the universal cellular energy molecule.

Small quantities of B₅ are found in nearly every food. Broccoli and avocado offer B₅ in abundance, as does meat and whole grains. As B₅ is largely found on the outer layers of grains, refining removes over half of the vitamin.