Intestinal flora and endogenous vitamin synthesis

Eur J Cancer Prev. 1997 Mar:6 Suppl 1:S43-5. doi: 10.1097/00008469-199703001-00009.

Abstract

It is well established that the rumen microbial flora are a rich source of vitamins to the ruminant, and that the faecal bacterial flora are a major vitamin source for coprophagic rodents. There is also good evidence that the gut bacterial flora are a significant source of a range of vitamins to the human. In this paper evidence is presented that gut bacteria are a significant source of a range of vitamins, particularly those of the B group and vitamin K.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biotin / biosynthesis
  • Folic Acid / biosynthesis
  • Humans
  • Intestines / microbiology*
  • Intestines / physiology
  • Riboflavin / biosynthesis
  • Vitamin B 12 / biosynthesis
  • Vitamin K / biosynthesis
  • Vitamins / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin K
  • Biotin
  • Folic Acid
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Riboflavin