Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Pantothenic acid, known as vitamin B5, takes its name from the Greek word for everywhere, because it is present in almost all foods. Chicken, beef, eggs, mushrooms, avocado, wholegrains and potatoes are particularly good sources. The body uses it to make coenzyme A, a molecule at the centre of energy production and of building fats, cholesterol and some hormones.

True deficiency is very rare and is usually only seen with severe malnutrition, so this is a specialist test rather than a routine check. It is mostly used when someone has a very limited diet, has had major gut surgery, or already has other B vitamin shortages and wants a complete assessment. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have a very restricted diet because of illness, allergies or personal choice and want a thorough vitamin assessment.
• You have had major bowel or weight-loss surgery and want to check a wide range of nutrients.
• You have already been found to be low in other B vitamins and want to complete the picture.
• You have burning or tingling feet and your practitioner suggests looking at uncommon nutritional causes alongside more likely ones.
• You take high-dose B5 supplements and want to see your level.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your pantothenic acid result with the laboratory reference range. A low result is unusual and, if seen, is likely to sit alongside other nutritional shortages, so your practitioner will look at your diet, health history and other results together. A normal result is the most common finding.

Raised levels usually reflect supplements and are generally not harmful, as excess is passed out in urine. Very high doses can cause stomach upset. As always, a result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

We will confirm any preparation when you book, as a fasting sample may be preferred. Please tell us about B complex, multivitamin, hair and skin supplements or pantothenic acid products you take, because these can raise the result.

If you are concerned about B vitamins more widely, our vitamin B12 test and the Nutritional and Digestive Health check are more common starting points. View every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a vitamin B5 blood test in Chiswick?

The vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) test costs £199. This covers your blood sample at our W4 clinic, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of the result and a GP feedback report if requested.

Is vitamin B5 deficiency common?

No. Because pantothenic acid is found in so many foods, deficiency is very rare and is mostly seen with severe malnutrition. Most people book this test as part of a wider nutritional assessment.

Should I test B5 before other B vitamins?

Usually not. B12 and folate shortages are much more common, so your practitioner may suggest starting with those unless you have a particular reason to check B5.

Can supplements affect my result?

Yes. Many B complex and hair, skin and nail products contain pantothenic acid. Let us know what you take so we can interpret the result accurately.