Studies on Creation of a New Method for Evaluating Vitamin Nutrition Using Human Urine Samples

(JSNFS Award for Excellence in Research (2012))

Abstract

We have clarified that the amounts of water-soluble vitamins excreted into urine closely reflect the surplus amount of water-soluble vitamins in the body, based on data from experiments involving rats and humans. We have also tried to calculate the cut-off values for preventing water-soluble vitamin deficiency and its resulting toxicity. Nutritional assessment using biomarkers is a persuasive approach, and facilitates easy adjustment of habitual dietary intake.