Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin essential for numerous metabolic processes. It serves as a precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), which is critical for the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins, and the production of steroid hormones, cholesterol, and acetylcholine. Chemically, it consists of pantoic acid linked via an amide bond to beta-alanine. It occurs naturally in foods such as meat, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Deficiency can lead to symptoms including fatigue, irritability, numbness, and impaired wound healing. It is stable under neutral conditions but sensitive to heat, acids, and bases.