Which vitamin is critical in energy metabolism and is part of coenzyme A?

Pantothenic acid is critical in energy metabolism as it plays a key role in the formation of coenzyme A, which is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Coenzyme A is necessary for the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and for the metabolism of pyruvate, which is derived from glucose. This ability to facilitate the metabolic pathways demonstrates the importance of pantothenic acid in energy production at the cellular level.

Other vitamins, while also important, serve different roles in the body. For instance, vitamin B6 is involved in amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is crucial for energy production and cellular function, and vitamin B12 plays a vital role in red blood cell formation and neurological function. However, none of these directly contribute to the structure and function of coenzyme A in the way that pantothenic acid does.