The Biochemistry of B Vitamins

The one hundred tenth volume of the monograph series edited under the auspices of the American Chemical Society is an extensive and authoritative review of the B vitamins. The stated primary goal of the book was "to present the material in a readable form, intelligible to those whose activities may be along a wholly different line." This goal has been admirably achieved. The information is presented simply and completely without sacrifice of accuracy. This should not imply, however, that the book is for the layman. The presentation is developed in four sections. Section A discusses the characterization, distribution, assay and biogenesis of B vitamins. Section B describes the catalytic functions of these vitamins. Section C discusses the role of the B vitamins in animal and plant organisms. This section should be of direct interest to all physicians, since it includes chapters on factors influencing B vitamin requirements, metabolism of B