B-complex vitamin deficiency and supplementation

Vitamins are either fat- or water-soluble micronutrients that are derived from a healthy, well-balanced diet. The B-complex vitamins are well-known examples of water-soluble nutrients that are readily absorbed from a healthy gut, and easily eliminated via renal excretion. They are required for their vital physiological functions and are significant contributors to the maintenance of optimal health. Multiple B-vitamin deficiencies are quite common. Therefore, a balanced diet, including a full spectrum of B vitamins, is usually needed when any of them are found to be deficient. Conversely, their therapeutic value is limited to supplementation during states of deficiency since they have no additional benefits in the presence of an adequate dietary intake. In general, their active supplementation should only be used to correct deficiencies. This article provides an overview of B-complex vitamin deficiencies and their supplementation.