B vitamins and energy metabolism: roles, deficiencies, and supplementation effects — a review
Kennedy DO
Evidence is still building up
Summary
A narrative review covering the roles of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) in energy metabolism. Each B vitamin acts as an indispensable cofactor in mitochondrial ATP production, the TCA cycle, fatty acid β-oxidation, and amino acid metabolism. Deficiency causes neurological symptoms, dermatitis, and anemia, but additional benefit from supplementation in replete healthy individuals is limited. As water-soluble vitamins, excess is excreted in urine, making toxicity risk low at standard doses.
Key findings
- 1
B vitamins are essential cofactors in ATP production, the TCA cycle, and fatty acid β-oxidation
- 2
Deficiency manifests as neurological symptoms (B1, B12), dermatitis (B3, B7), and megaloblastic anemia (B9, B12)
- 3
Supplementation clearly improves symptoms in deficient individuals, but additional benefit in replete individuals is limited
- 4
Water solubility confers low toxicity risk at standard doses; high-dose B6 (>50 mg) has been associated with peripheral neuropathy
Related supplements
PR
Vitamin B ComplexView in official storeFunctions as a coenzyme in energy metabolism (ATP production, TCA cycle, etc.)
Vitamin B-50View in official storeA balanced formula that covers the B vitamins in one product
The links below include affiliate links (PR).
Articles featuring this study
- Explainer
Vitamin B complex basics: cofactors in energy metabolism and deficiency conditions
B vitamins are indispensable cofactors in ATP production, the TCA cycle, and fatty acid metabolism. Deficiency causes neurological symptoms, dermatitis, and anemia. Research shows clear benefit of supplementation in deficient individuals, while additional effects in already-replete healthy people are limited.
Shingo Yoshizaki
- Explainer
What is vitamin B50? The balanced-formula B complex and when to use it
Vitamin B50 is a formula containing each B vitamin (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, etc.) at an equal dose of 50 mg or 50 mcg. Research shows that B vitamin supplementation has clear benefits for deficient individuals—improving neurological symptoms, dermatitis, and anemia—but additional effects in already-replete healthy people are limited.
Shingo Yoshizaki
Last checked: