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“Vitamin Deficiencies in Amino Acid Metabolism: Biochemical Impacts and Pathways”
- November 22, 2024
- Posted by: Namrata Chhabra
- Category: Metabolism of Amino acids Quick Revision Series Quick revisions Quick revisions
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“Learn about the biochemical impacts of vitamin deficiencies on amino acid metabolism and how these impairments affect your health. Dive into detailed explanations and pathways now!”
“Vitamin deficiencies and impaired amino acid metabolism table”
Vitamin | Impaired Reaction | Enzyme Affected | Reaction Catalyzed | Pathway/Consequence |
Vitamin B6 (PLP) | Transamination of amino acids | Aminotransferases (e.g., ALT, AST) | Alanine + α-Ketoglutarate ↔ Pyruvate + Glutamate | Impaired amino acid catabolism and gluconeogenesis |
Conversion of glutamate to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) | Glutamate decarboxylase | Glutamate → GABA + CO₂ | Impaired neurotransmitter synthesis | |
Conversion of homocysteine to cystathionine and cysteine | Cystathionine β-synthase | Homocysteine + Serine → Cystathionine | Homocysteine accumulation | |
Thiamine (B1) | Oxidative decarboxylation of branched-chain α-keto acids | Branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase | Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine α-keto acids + NAD⁺ → Acyl-CoA + NADH + CO₂ | Impaired branched-chain amino acid catabolism |
Folate (B9) | Conversion of homocysteine to methionine (methyl group transfer) | Methionine synthase (with Vitamin B12) | Homocysteine + 5-Methyl-THF → Methionine + THF | Homocysteine accumulation, disrupted methylation |
Vitamin B12 | Conversion of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA | Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase | Methylmalonyl-CoA → Succinyl-CoA | Impaired odd-chain fatty acid and amino acid metabolism |
Conversion of homocysteine to methionine | Methionine synthase | Homocysteine + 5-Methyl-THF → Methionine + THF | Homocysteine accumulation, impaired SAM synthesis | |
Riboflavin (B2) | Oxidation of L-amino acids (e.g., proline, lysine) | L-amino acid oxidase | L-Amino acid + FAD → α-Imino acid + FADH₂ | Impaired amino acid degradation |
Biotin | Carboxylation in amino acid metabolism | Propionyl-CoA carboxylase | Propionyl-CoA + CO₂ + ATP → Methylmalonyl-CoA + ADP + Pi | Impaired catabolism of valine, isoleucine, threonine |
Key Reactions Explained:
- Vitamin B6 (PLP):
- Aminotransferases (ALT, AST): Vital for interconversion of amino acids and keto acids in transamination reactions.
- Cystathionine β-synthase: Converts homocysteine and serine to cystathionine, and then to cysteine, preventing homocysteine buildup.
- Glutamate decarboxylase: Critical for GABA synthesis, affecting neurotransmission.
- Thiamine (B1):
- Branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase: Catalyzes oxidative decarboxylation in branched-chain amino acid catabolism (e.g., valine, leucine).
- Folate (B9) and Vitamin B12:
- Methionine synthase: Facilitates methylation cycles by regenerating methionine from homocysteine.
- Biotin:
- Propionyl-CoA carboxylase: Handles catabolism of amino acids generating propionyl-CoA (e.g., valine, isoleucine).
Author:Namrata Chhabra

With over 38 years of experience as a Medical Educator, Medical Biochemist, and Researcher, Dr. Namrata Chhabra has a proven track record of leading and contributing to clinical, academic, and research initiatives that advance medical science and education. She holds an M.B.B.S., an M.D. and Ph.D. in Medical Biochemistry, and a Master's in Health Professions Education (MHPE). She is also a FAIMER Fellow, a prestigious recognition of her excellence in medical education and research.
Currently, she serves as the Associate Dean of Admissions, Chair of the Admissions Committee, and a Professor of Biochemistry at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUACOM). In this role, she oversees the academic quality, curriculum development, faculty development, accreditation processes of the college, and student recruitment. She also teaches and mentors medical students, conducts and supervises biomedical and educational research projects, and publishes and presents her findings in national and international journals and conferences. Additionally, she is the author of three comprehensive textbooks on Medical Biochemistry, which are widely used by medical students and professionals. She is passionate about improving the health outcomes of communities and individuals by fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in medical education and research.