Light micrograph (LM) of Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) crystals. Vitamin B5, also called pantothenic acid , is an antioxidant and water-soluble vitamin needed to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Pantothenic acid deficiency is very uncommon and more common with age. It is contained in whole grain cereals, legumes, eggs, meat, royal jelly and many other foods. Symptoms of deficiency are highly similar to other vitamin B deficiencies. They include allergies, adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Pantothenic acid is an important tool in natural medicine, and replaces cortisone. It is also needed for proper and healthy growth of hair. Magnification: x20 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.