Product Description
FUNCTIONS As co-enzymes, the B vitamins are essential components in most major metabolic reactions. They play an important role in energy production, including the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. B vitamins are also important for blood cells, hormones, and nervous system function. As water-soluble substances, B vitamins are not generally stored in the body in any appreciable amounts (with the exception of vitamin B12). Therefore, the body needs an adequate supply of B vitamins on a daily basis.
Thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin are all essential coenzymes in energy production. Thiamin is converted quickly into thiamin pyrophosphate, which is required for glycolytic and Kreb’s cycle reactions. Thiamin also appears to be related to nerve impulse transmission. Riboflavin is a component of coenzymes FAD and FMN, which are intermediates in many redox reactions, including energy production and cellular respiration reactions. Niacin is also a component of the coenzymes NAD and NADP, which are involved in energy production.
Vitamin B6 is a coenzyme in amino acid metabolism. It is necessary for the metabolism of homocysteine and the conversion of tryptophan into niacin. Vitamin B6-dependent enzymes are also needed for the biosynthesis of many neurotransmitters, including serotonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Vitamin B12 is a coenzyme in DNA and RNA metabolism and assists in homocysteine metabolism.
Pantothenic acid is also a coenzyme essential for energy production from dietary fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Pantothenic acid is a component of coenzyme A and of phosphopantetheine, and is therefore essential for Kreb’s cycle operation.
While not truly vitamins, choline, inositol, and para-
aminobenzoic acid are important, related nutrients to B vitamins. Choline serves as a methyl donor for homocysteine metabolism following conversion to betaine; as a structural component of cellular membranes as phosphatidylcholine; and as a neurotransmitter as acetylcholine. Inositol aids in the cellular response to hormonal signals, serves as a source of arachidonic acid, and is active in cellular membranes as phoshatidylinositol. Finally, para- aminobenzoic acid has antioxidant properties.
Thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin are all essential coenzymes in energy production. Thiamin is converted quickly into thiamin pyrophosphate, which is required for glycolytic and Kreb’s cycle reactions. Thiamin also appears to be related to nerve impulse transmission. Riboflavin is a component of coenzymes FAD and FMN, which are intermediates in many redox reactions, including energy production and cellular respiration reactions. Niacin is also a component of the coenzymes NAD and NADP, which are involved in energy production.
Vitamin B6 is a coenzyme in amino acid metabolism. It is necessary for the metabolism of homocysteine and the conversion of tryptophan into niacin. Vitamin B6-dependent enzymes are also needed for the biosynthesis of many neurotransmitters, including serotonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Vitamin B12 is a coenzyme in DNA and RNA metabolism and assists in homocysteine metabolism.
Pantothenic acid is also a coenzyme essential for energy production from dietary fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Pantothenic acid is a component of coenzyme A and of phosphopantetheine, and is therefore essential for Kreb’s cycle operation.
While not truly vitamins, choline, inositol, and para-
aminobenzoic acid are important, related nutrients to B vitamins. Choline serves as a methyl donor for homocysteine metabolism following conversion to betaine; as a structural component of cellular membranes as phosphatidylcholine; and as a neurotransmitter as acetylcholine. Inositol aids in the cellular response to hormonal signals, serves as a source of arachidonic acid, and is active in cellular membranes as phoshatidylinositol. Finally, para- aminobenzoic acid has antioxidant properties.
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References
Jansonius, JN. Structure, evolution and action of vitamin B6- dependent enzymes. Curr Opin Struct Biol 1998;8:759-69. Lakshmi, AV. Riboflavin metabolism--relevance to human nutrition. Indian J Med Res 1998;108:182-90.Also Recommended
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