Nutritional Biochemistry of the Vitamins

An authoritative account of the known functions and metabolic roles of the vitamins, the scientific basis of Recommended Intakes and the effect of deficiency or excess. It highlights both areas of current research activity and areas where our knowledge is inadequate and there is a need for further research.

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The vitamins are a chemically disparate group of substances whose only common feature is that they are required in small amounts for the normal functioning of the body, cannot be synthesised in the body, and hence must be provided in the diet. Metabolically they have diverse functions as coenzymes, hormones, modulators or regulators of growth and development, or as apparently non-specific antioxidants. This book explores the known biochemical functions of the vitamins, the extent to which we can explain the effects of deficiency or excess, and the scientific basis for Recommended Intakes. It highlights areas of current research interest and activity. Those areas where our knowledge is lacking and further research is required are also emphasized. It provides a compact reference volume which will be of use to all in the field of nutritional biochemistry, and indeed all who are concerned with vitamin nutrition, deficiency and metabolism.