Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B-5, is essential to all forms of life.

Found throughout living cells in the form of coenzyme A (CoA), this substance is required for the biochemical reactions that generate energy from fat, carbohydrates, and proteins. The synthesis of essential fats, cholesterol, steroid hormones, and the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine also require CoA, as does the hormone melatonin.  

Vitamin B5 is involved in energy production in the body, is essential for the processing and transporting of fats, and is needed for the manufacture of the nerve transmitter acetylcholine. It is found in cod, chicken, avocado, yogurt, broccoli, lentils, peas, mushrooms.

References

Plesofsky-Vig, N. Pantothenic acid. In Shils, M. et al. Eds. Nutrition in Health and Disease, 9th Edition. Baltimore: Williams