Water-Soluble Vitamins: Overview and Metabolic Roles
Introduction to Water-Soluble Vitamins
Definition: Water-soluble vitamins are vitamins that dissolve in water and are not stored in the body. They must be consumed regularly in the diet.
Characteristics:
- Easily excreted in urine
- Less likely to reach toxic levels compared to fat-soluble vitamins
- Must be replenished frequently due to lack of storage
Types of Water-Soluble Vitamins
B-Complex Vitamins:
- Thiamine (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Niacin (B3)
- Pantothenic Acid (B5)
- Pyridoxine (B6)
- Biotin (B7)
- Folate (B9)
- Cobalamin (B12)
Vitamin C:
- Ascorbic Acid
Metabolic Roles of Water-Soluble Vitamins
Thiamine (B1):
Role:
- Coenzyme in energy metabolism (especially in carbohydrate metabolism)
- Essential for the functioning of the nervous system
Coenzyme Form: Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP)
Deficiency: Beriberi (affects cardiovascular and nervous systems), Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Riboflavin (B2):
Role:
- Component of coenzymes FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) and FMN (flavin mononucleotide)
- Involved in redox reactions in energy production
Coenzyme Forms: FAD and FMN
Deficiency: Ariboflavinosis (causes sore throat, redness and swelling of the lining of the mouth and throat, cracks or sores on outsides of the lips and at the corners of the mouth).