B Vitamins: Functions and Uses in Medicine
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: B vitamins are a group of 8 water-soluble vitamins. The body does not store them, so they need to be replaced daily. B vitamins are found in animal proteins, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and beans. Overall, their function can generally be divided into catabolic metabolism, leading to energy production, and anabolic metabolism, resulting in bioactive molecules. They are critical cofactors for axonal transport, synthesis of neurotransmitters, and many cellular metabolic pathways. B vitamins are cofactors for many essential enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of RNA and DNA. B vitamin deficiencies have been considered as etiological factors in the development of various neurologic disorders and a broad spectrum of pathological states. Reductions in food intake and absorption efficiency in some populations, including the geriatric population, may warrant attention to their dietary B vitamin levels. Most B vitamins are generally safe even at intake levels reached with fortified food or supplements.
Source: The Permanente Journal
DOI: 10.7812/tpp/21.204
Authors: Mary Hanna, Ecler Jaqua, Van Nguyen, Jeremy Clay
Institutions: Loma Linda University, Loma Linda University Health Care
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4283028243