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Vitamin B5 Test

$49
Testing Method:
Blood draw
Test Preparation:
None
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This Vitamin B5 Test measures the amount of vitamin B5 (or pantothenic acid) in the blood. Vitamin B5 helps in the synthesis of cholesterol, production of red blood cells, and breaking down of carbohydrates. Fresh foods, especially meats and vegetables, are rich in vitamin B5. A vitamin B5 deficiency can be easily and conveniently identified with our Vitamin B5 test and is recommended for those experiencing fatigue, abdominal pain, cramps, irritability, and unexplained changes in mood.

How Our Vitamin B5 Test Works

For our Vitamin B5 Test, simply place your order online and stop by one of our 4,000+ nationwide testing facilities at your convenience (no appointment required). A member of the center’s staff will collect a small blood sample via the skin prick method at which point your part of the process is done. The sample collection itself takes only a few minutes and most patients are in and out and about their day in under a half-hour. However, you will need to fast1 for several hours before the test. From there, your sample will be processed in a CLIA-certified laboratory and in as little as 24-72 hours you will get your results.

Common Vitamin B5 Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) deficiency is rare as it is present in many forms, but symptoms2 include:

  • Headache.
  • Fatigue.
  • Restlessness.
  • Disturbed sleep.
  • Nausea.
  • Stomach cramps.
  • Numbness in hands or feet.
  • Muscle cramps.

Most people get enough vitamin B5 from their diet, but occasionally somebody is unable to metabolize it or has dietary issues that can result in deficiency. If you have any of these symptoms, especially if you have dietary restrictions, it is worth getting a vitamin B5 test.

How to Interpret Your Results

We do our best to make the results as straightforward to interpret as possible. Our Vitamin B5 test measures the levels of Vitamin B5 in your blood and uses that to determine whether you have enough in your system to stay healthy.

When reviewing your results, you will find three colums: ‘Results,’ ‘Flag’ and ‘Reference Range’. The results column contains your raw numbers and the reference range what is normal. Anything in the flag column indicates an abnormal result. As it is not really possible to have too much vitamin B5, any flagged result is going to indicate that your levels are too low.

Again, vitamin B5 deficiency is very rare, but it can happen in some individuals. If your results are normal, then you should talk to a doctor about other explanations for your symptoms. If they are low, you may need to take a vitamin B5 supplement to help you get your levels back up to normal. Foods particularly high in vitamin B5 include organ meats, beef, chicken breast, mushrooms, avocado and others.

Vitamin B5 Test versus Other B Vitamin Tests

This test checks levels of vitamin B5 only. There are tests available for other vitamins in the B-complex. Vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 are particularly important, with the latter being vital for people who are pregnant.

If you suspect you have a vitamin B deficiency, you might want to order multiple vitamin B tests to identify what the issue is, and to determine what supplements or dietary changes you might need.

FAQs

  • A vitamin B5 deficiency typically occurs if you have malnutrition, significant dietary restrictions, or issues metabolizing the vitamin. As the vitamin is essential, a deficiency can result in a variety of symptoms.

  • This test is for people who suspect, or have been told by a doctor, that they may be deficient in vitamin B5. It is not for people who suspect deficiencies in other B vitamins, although it may be wise to take multiple tests.

  • While we strive to make your results clear, you will have access to one of our care counselors to discuss your results. We can also give you access to a physician who can help you investigate further and determine the source of your vitamin B5 deficiency and the best approach for resolving it.

  1. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/vitamin-b-test/

  2. Pantothenic Acid – Vitamin B5