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How do vitamins act as coenzymes in metabolism?
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vitamin
Vitamin E in gel-cap form.
Vitamins, specifically those in the B-complex group, act as essential coenzymes that facilitate vital metabolic reactions. These organic compounds function within enzyme systems to promote the transfer of specific atoms, groups of atoms, or electrons between molecules.123
By participating in these transfer reactions, vitamin-derived coenzymes enable the body to synthesize structural compounds and convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into metabolic energy. For example:31
- Coenzyme A, derived from pantothenic acid, acts at the hub of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, controlling the interconversion of fuel molecules.3
- Niacin and riboflavin coenzymes facilitate the transfer of hydrogen ions or electrons during energy production.3
- Thiamin and vitamin B6 coenzymes regulate the conversion of carbohydrates and proteins into energy.3
- Folic acid and biotin serve as components of coenzymes involved in DNA synthesis and the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids.2
In these processes, coenzymes are modified during catalysis and may require subsequent reactions to be restored to their original state.1