ABSTRACT
B-vitamins serve as cofactors in the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, and sugars, as well as the synthesis and methylation of DNA. Requirements for B-vitamins are increased during periods of rapid growth and development, including during pregnancy and early childhood. B-vitamin deficiencies are common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals and have been associated with increased risk of HIV disease progression and adverse health outcomes in observational studies. Evidence regarding the associations between B-vitamins and HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome among individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy has been limited and conflicting. The potential effects of micronutrient supplementation of other B-vitamins on immune function, such as thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, or vitamin B12, warrant further investigation in single-supplementation trials. The limited evidence regarding the effects of B-vitamins in other settings constrains generalizability and interpretation of findings, particularly in the antiretroviral therapy era.
