Emergence of Novel Functions of Vitamins for the Prevention of Life-Style Related Diseases.

Vitamins are a family of micronutrients comprising 13 groups of organic compounds, of which vitamin B1 was identified first, approximately 110 y ago. Deficiency of each vitamin results in specific symptoms, such as neuropathy, dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, pernicious anemia, scurvy, blindness, rickets, and bleeding. Almost all vitamins can modulate the functions of enzymes and/or other proteins involved in the formation of bone and soft tissues, generation of energy, and regulation of homeostasis via specific vitamin-protein interactions. In addition to the well-known physiological roles of vitamins, novel modes of action of vitamins have been elucidated. These new functions could contribute to extending healthy life expectancy by preventing and curing lifestyle-related diseases. In this mini-review, we introduce the functional properties of three vitamins, vitamin B3 (niacin), biotin, and vitamin K, for the prevention of age-related diseases.