b5

B5 is a shorthand that can refer to several distinct topics across science and culture. In nutrition and biochemistry, B5 most commonly denotes pantothenic acid, known as vitamin B5. It is an essential water-soluble vitamin that contributes to the formation of coenzyme A and acetyl carrier protein, which are vital for energy metabolism and fatty acid synthesis. Pantothenic acid is widely found in a variety of foods, including meat, dairy, whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. Because it is broadly distributed in typical diets, deficiency is rare in developed countries, though very low intake can be associated with fatigue, irritability, or numbness in some cases. Daily needs vary by age and condition, and supplementation is generally unnecessary for most people.

In popular culture, B5 commonly refers to Babylon 5, a science fiction television series created by J. Michael Straczynski. The show aired from 1994 to 1999 and is set on a space station in the mid-23rd century, serving as a diplomatic and political hub among humans and alien species. Babylon 5 is noted for its serialized storytelling, long-form plot arcs, and its influence on subsequent science fiction television, with a focus on interstellar diplomacy, war, and governance rather than episodic standalone adventures.

In astronomy, B5 designates a subclass of the B-type stellar category. B5 stars are hot, blue-white stars with surface temperatures around the order of 15,000 kelvin, often appearing luminous and energetic. The subclass can describe stars on the main sequence (B5V) or evolved stages (such as giants, B5III). As a label, B5 helps astronomers classify stellar spectra and study stellar evolution.