Pantothenic acid is involved with the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol and sterols. While deficiencies are rare, they can include, nervous disorders, edema, subcutaneous hemorrhage, vomiting and fatigue. Pantothenic acid is widely distributed in plant and animal foods, especially in egg yolks, liver and yeast. Biotin is involved in the conversion of protein and carbohydrate into fat. Biotin also helps to maintain normal blood glucose levels from fat and protein when carbohydrate is low.
Biotin deficiencies are rare but can result in anorexia, nausea and depression.
Folic acid is important as a component of tetrahydrofolic acid, which is involved in the transfer of one carbon groups. Folic acid is important for the transfer of methyl groups to help resynthesize methionine from homocysteine and to make choline. Folic acid is also important in the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines. A deficiency may also cause neural-tube birth defects. Yeast, spinach and beef liver are good sources of folic acid.