Public Health Importance of B-Group Vitamins
<p>The B-group vitamins – comprising thiamine (B<sub>1</sub>), riboflavin (B<sub>2</sub>), niacin (B<sub>3</sub>), pantothenic acid (B<sub>5</sub>), pyridoxine (B<sub>6</sub>), biotin (B<sub>7</sub>), folate (B<sub>9</sub>), and cobalamin (B<sub>1</sub><sub>2</sub>) –are essential micron...
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| Autores principales: | , , |
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| Formato: | Capítulo de libro |
| Lenguaje: | inglés |
| Publicado: |
IntechOpen
2026
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/1247564 |
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| Sumario: | <p>The B-group vitamins – comprising thiamine (B<sub>1</sub>), riboflavin (B<sub>2</sub>), niacin (B<sub>3</sub>), pantothenic acid (B<sub>5</sub>), pyridoxine (B<sub>6</sub>), biotin (B<sub>7</sub>), folate (B<sub>9</sub>), and cobalamin (B<sub>1</sub><sub>2</sub>) –are essential micronutrients with broad biochemical roles fundamental to human health and normal physiological functions. Acting primarily as co-enzymes in numerous metabolic pathways, they are indispensable for energy production, nervous system function, DNA synthesis, erythropoiesis, immune regulation, and cellular growth and repair. While required in small quantities, deficiencies can result in significant morbidity, impaired development, reduced productivity, and increased mortality across the life course. B-group vitamin deficiencies remain an important public health concern worldwide, primarily in low- and middle-income countries, where poverty, food insecurity, limited dietary diversity, and inadequate access to fortified foods contribute to widespread micronutrient deficiencies. Vulnerable population includes pregnant and lactating mothers, infants, adolescents, older adults, individuals with malabsorption disorder, vegetarians, and those affected by chronic illnesses and alcohol dependence. Deficiencies are associated with a wide range of adverse health outcomes, including neural tube defects, anemia, cognitive impairment, neuropathies, cardiovascular diseases, poor immune fucntion and mental health disorders. This chapter examines and discusses the biological functions, the epidemiology, determinants, and public health consequences of B-group vitamin deficiencies. It further explores evidence-based interventions, including dietary diversification, supplementation, food fortification, screening programmes, and policies addressing social determinants of nutrition. Emerging areas of research, such as one-carbon metabolism, epigenetics, microbiome interactions, and precision nutrition, are also discussed. Strengthening strategies to ensure equitable access to B-group vitamins is essential for improving population health, reducing nutrition-related disease burden, and advancing global public health goals.</p> |
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| ISBN: | 978-1-80631-613-7 |
| DOI: | 10.5772/intechopen.1015975 |