Water-soluble vitamins in nutrition support

This chapter concentrates on the impact of the key water‐soluble vitamins amongst the antioxidants, but its separation from the effects of the other agents involved is incomplete. The use of water‐soluble vitamins for patients with known deficiency or at risk of deficiency is best supported by evidence in the cases of thiamine and folate. Water‐soluble vitamins are essential elements of the normal human diet. The exact amount of a specific vitamin an individual will require can vary. The chapter covers the current international recommendations for vitamin intake and the research underpinning the recommendations. It focuses on recommendations in individuals predisposed to undernutrition those who are undernourished and on the nutriceutical application of vitamins. There is overall unity between the US, UK and EU recommendations for water‐soluble vitamin doses in the healthy population. The US has the most complete guidance on this, with values stated for age, gender and pregnancy status.