Vitamins and minerals

Enzymes

• a protein that accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction. 
• are required for all metabolic reactions

Coenzymes

a molecule that combines with an enzyme to activate it.

 Some metabolic reactions require coenzymes

are especially important for energy metabolism. 

thiamin (B₁)   folate   riboflavin (B₂)   Vit B₁₂  niacin  

pantothenic acid   Vit B₆  biotin

B-complex Vitamins: Thiamin (Vitamin B₁)

• This coenzyme  is required for carbohydrate metabolism and to metabolize some fatty acids. Enriched foods, whole grains, and pork are good sources

B-complex Vitamins:
Riboflavin (Vitamin B₂)

Part of 2 coenzymes involved in energy metabolism. Milk is a good source of riboflavin. Ariboflavinosis: riboflavin deficiency; sore throat, swollen mucous membranes 

B-complex Vitamins: Niacin

severe niacin deficiency

4 Ds: dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death

B-complex Vitamins:
Vitamin B₆ (Pyridoxine)

Part of a coenzyme for more than 100 enzymes, amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter, and heme synthesis (part of hemoglobin)

Good sources: enriched cereals, meat, fish, poultry, starchy vegetables

Toxicity from supplements can result in nerve damage and skin lesions

Deficiency: anemia, elevated levels of homocysteine (a protein indicative of heart disease)

B-complex Vitamins: Folate

Involved in DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, red blood cell synthesis
Critical for cell division of very early embryos

Good sources: ready-to-eat cereals, enriched bread products

Toxicity can mask vitamin B₁₂ deficiency

Deficiency: macrocytic anemia