Vitamins are a group of organic compounds essential to physiological functions in the body. This Special Issue features systematic review and original research articles of vitamins in health and disease. Among other topics, the association of endogenous vitamin levels with disease risk, the therapeutic role of vitamin supplementation in various diseases, and an analytical method for measuring vitamin D and K content in dietary supplements are discussed. Below is a summary of the articles included in this Special Issue. Baker( 2023). Nutrients. 15.13. 2888.
Vitamins are involved in cellular processes and are associated with the development or prevention of malignant diseases. To summarize the role of select vitamins (i.e., A, B-complex, C, D, E, and K) in oncogenesis, Venturelli and colleagues [1] reviewed the association between micronutrient concentrations in the blood or tissues and cancer risk and, importantly, examined if vitamin concentrations potentially serve as biomarkers for early cancer detection. Despite heterogeneity in the results, a low endogenous concentration of select vitamins was associated with an increased risk of some cancers. Along with the likelihood of DNA insult due to oxidative stress or structural fragility and epigenetic aberration, Venturelli and colleagues [1] recommended that longitudinal tracking of vitamin concentrations in the body might provide diagnostic and prognostic value as opposed to assessments at a single time point. Additional research assessing vitamin levels as biomarkers in cancer and cancer-related conditions (e.g., cachexia) is warranted.