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Vitamin Metabolism

The B vitamins are a family of chemically distinct compounds that serve important functions in intermediary metabolism. Deficiency of these vitamins leads to a number of clinical disorders. The Vitamin Metabolism Laboratory assesses the status of folic acid and vitamins B2, B6 and B12 in the elderly, with emphasis on the prevalence of inadequate status.

The metabolism of the amino acid homocysteine is regulated by B vitamin intake. The laboratory examines the relationship of elevated plasma homocysteine levels to inadequate B vitamin intake and status and increased risk for cardiovascular disease, thrombosis and stroke, cognitive dysfunction, and certain cancers. These studies emphasize the dietary requirements and long-term effects of inadequate vitamin status. The polymorphic mutations in the gene encoding enzyme of folate metabolism are also explored. Basic laboratory research includes developing new methods for studying human tissue and animal models.