Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble vitamins which includes retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and several provitamin A carotenoids, among which beta-carotene is the most important.

Vitamin A has multiple functions including: growth and development in infants, children and adolescents, maintenance of the immune system, and healthy vision.

Vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eye for both low-light and color vision.

Vitamin A also functions as retinoic acid, an important hormone-like growth factor for epithelial and other cells.

Other important roles that vitamin A plays in the body include: gene transcription, haematopoiesis, and antioxidant activity.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) is used by cells to help make energy from foodstuffs. Thiamin pyrophosphate is a cofactor for dehydrogenase enzymes with key roles in cellular energy production.

Dietary sources richest in B1 (per serving) include:

- Nutritional supplements

- Rice Bran

- Nutritional Yeasts

- Wheat Germ

- Legumes (beans, peas, soybeans, lentils)

Vitamin B1, also called thiamine, is important for nervous system and muscle function. Thiamine acts as a coenzyme for carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. It also is essential for the production of hydrochloric acid. 

Vitamin B1, also known as Thiamine, plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal blood health. As a water-soluble vitamin, it is essential for the proper functioning of the circulatory system and is particularly vital in the metabolism of glucose, which is the primary energy source for the body and especially important for the brain and nervous system. Thiamine helps in the production of red blood cells and in the maintenance of healthy endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels, thus ensuring efficient nutrient and oxygen transport throughout the body.

Vitamin B12 is essential in many basic bodily functions. High levels are not usually cause for concern, but low levels may indicate a medical deficiency or disease. In America, food such as cereal and grains are enriched with many essential vitamins, including vitamin B12. For this reason, dietary deficiency is rare.

Vitamin B12 is needed to form blood and immune cells, and support a healthy nervous system. A series of closely-related compounds known collectively as cobalamins or vitamin B12 are converted into active forms methylcobalamin or 5’-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin interacts with folate metabolism, preventing folate derivatives from being trapped in unusable states. Adenosylcobalamin is involved in the metabolism of odd-chain fatty acids and branchedchain amino acids.

- Vitamin B12 is an important coenzyme when in its active form of methylcobalamin.

- B12 facilitates the metabolism of folic acid through its primary role as a methyl donor.

- B12 requires intrinsic factor for absorption, which is calcium dependent.

- The role of vitamin B12 in the production of some neurotransmitters may also be evidenced by mood imbalance in susceptible individuals.

Riboflavin helps to metabolize foodstuffs into energy. Riboflavin is converted into its active forms, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN). FAD and FMN are primarily involved as cofactors in oxidation-reduction reactions for flavoproteins, essential for cellular energy production and respiration. Riboflavin has a role in antioxidant status by activating glutathione reductase, which regenerates reduced glutathione.

Vitamin B2, also known as Riboflavin, is a vital nutrient that plays an essential role in maintaining overall health, particularly in energy metabolism and cellular function. As a key component of the B-vitamin family, Riboflavin is crucial for breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, facilitating the conversion of nutrients into usable energy for the body. Its impact on energy production makes it especially important for maintaining a healthy metabolic rate. Additionally, Vitamin B2 is instrumental in maintaining the health of the skin, eyes, blood cells, and mucous membranes, promoting good vision and skin health. It also aids in the absorption of other nutrients, particularly iron, and is essential for growth and development. Found in a variety of foods including milk, eggs, lean meats, green vegetables, and enriched grains and cereals, Riboflavin is readily available through a balanced diet.

Vitamin supplementation within 24 hours prior to blood draw may affect the accuracy of results.

Vitamin B2 is involved in metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. The clinical manifestations of deficiency are non-specific.

Clinical manifestations include mucocutaneous lesions of the mouth and skin, corneal vascularization, anemia, and personality changes.

Common food resources:

Beef, fortified tofu, dairy, salmon, mushrooms, pork, spinach

Physiological Function:

Two very important coenzymes involved in energy metabolism are derived from riboflavin to participate in oxidation/reduction reactions.

Riboflavin is also essential for NOS enzyme (nitric oxide synthase) and glutathione reductase which regenerates glutathione, and which is very important for antioxidation/detoxification.

Two very important coenzymes involved in energy metabolism are derived from riboflavin to participate in oxidation/reduction reactions.

Riboflavin is also essential for NOS enzyme (nitric oxide synthase) and glutathione reductase which regenerates glutathione, and which is very important for antioxidation/detoxification.

Vitamin B2, measured in whole blood, is a vital biomarker for assessing nutritional status and guiding health interventions. Its importance in energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and cellular repair underscores the need for adequate riboflavin levels in the body. Whole blood testing offers a reliable and comprehensive reflection of long-term riboflavin status, making it a valuable tool in both clinical and preventive healthcare.

The Vitamin B3 marker on a blood panel, representing Niacin or Nicotinic Acid levels, is a critical indicator of nutritional health and metabolic function. Vitamin B3 plays a pivotal role in numerous cellular processes, primarily in energy production and the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. Its significance in the blood panel lies in its ability to regulate metabolism, particularly in converting nutrients into energy, making it essential for the maintenance of healthy skin, nerves, and digestive systems. Adequate levels of Vitamin B3 in the blood are crucial for preventing deficiency disorders like pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

Niacinamide is needed to metabolize foodstuffs into energy. Niacinamide is converted into the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and NADP, which function in oxidationreduction reactions essential for release of energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Niacin can also be synthesized by the body from tryptophan, although with low efficiency

Other names: Niacin / Nicotinamide / Nicotinic Acid

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is also referred to as vitamin B3.

Nicotinamide (nicotinic acid amide) is the derivative of niacin that is incorporated into the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).