Functional Biochemistry of Micronutrients

This volume explores the multiple roles of micronutrients and vitamins in human health and disease, focusing on how micronutrients influence biochemical processes and cellular function. It takes a multidisciplinary approach and highlights the complex roles of micronutrients, providing a compilation of information ranging from fundamental knowledge to recommendations for their use as supplements in clinical practice, as well as broadening our understanding of the importance of micronutrients. Divided into three thematic parts, the book brings together cutting-edge research and expert opinions from around the world.
The first part focuses on the biochemical and physiological effects of micronutrients in various health contexts, such as obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and sports nutrition. The chapters examine the modulation of cellular pathways, oxidative stress, inflammation, and necroptosis, highlighting both the therapeutic potential and the risks of micronutrient deficiencies and toxicities. The second part examines the pathophysiological functions of key vitamins (D, E, A, and K2), emphasising their role in immunity, metabolism, neurodegeneration, bone health, and endocrine disruption. Special attention is given to vitamin deficiencies in athletes and the synergistic effects of gut microbiota and antioxidant vitamins. The final section explores plant- and marine-based micronutrients, highlighting their economic and ecological benefits in the treatment of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Topics covered include polyphenols, cranberries and marine bioactives, with a focus on blue biotechnology and sustainable nutrition.
This book is an essential resource for physicians, researchers, nutritionists, and students, offering a deep understanding of how micronutrients and vitamins influence molecular mechanisms, cellular function, and disease prevention. It bridges the gap between basic science and clinical relevance, providing new insights into the changing role of nutrition in global health. 

List of contents

Part I. Role of Micronutrients in Health and Disease.- Chapter 1. Micronutrients in Sports Supplements: Biochemical Functions and Health Impacts.- Chapter 2. The Interplay Between Micronutrients and Obesity.- Chapter 3. Dietary Micronutrient Supplements and Epigenetic Regulation in Obesity.- Chapter 4. Micronutrients and Associated Pathologies.- Chapter 5. The Role of Micronutrients in Managing Breast Cancer: Implications of Supplementation Therapies on Molecular and Cellular Signaling Pathways.- Chapter 6. Modulation of Necroptosis by Micronutrients: Experimental Evidence and Possible Effects Interfering with Necroptotic Signaling.- Chapter 7. Role of Bee Bread in Modulating Liver Changes in Rats Fed a High-fat Diet: Biochemical Mechanisms and Micronutrient Effects.- Chapter 8. Boosting the Bioavailability of Hydrophobic Nutrients.- Chapter 9. Micronutrient Deficiencies, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Cardiometabolic Pathologies: Three is a Crowd.- Chapter 10. Deficiency and Toxicity of Micronutrients.- Part II. Function of Some Vitamins in Pathophysiology.- Chapter 11. The Evolving Landscape of Vitamin D and Endocrine Disruptors: Something Old and Something New.- Chapter 12. Immunity, Metabolism, and Beyond Bones: Unraveling the Physiological Mysteries of Vitamin D.- Chapter 13. Current Perspectives on Vitamin D Deficiency in Athletes.- Chapter 14. The Efficacy of Vitamin E in Prevention and Treatment of Health Conditions.- Chapter 15. Brain-Specific Vitamin A Deficiency: A New Perspective on Local Vitamin Deficiency and Neurodegeneration.- Chapter 16. Vitamin K2 as a Bone Protective Bioactive against Osteoporosis and Fragility Fracture.- Chapter 17. The Synergistic Role of Gut Microbiota and Antioxidant Vitamins in Human Health.- Part III. Plant-Based and Marine-Derived Micronutrients.- Chapter 18. Plant Based-Medicinal Micronutrients Can Be Used Beneficially and Cost Effectively to Treat Metabolic and Other Diseases.- Chapter 19. Functional and Biochemical Benefits of Polyphenols as Plant-Based Nutraceuticals for Heart Function.- Chapter 20. Protective Effects of Lingonberry Against Cardiovascular Disease and Its Associated Risk Factors.- Chapter 21. The Role of Marine-Derived Micronutrients and Therapeutic Agents in Blue Biotechnology for Health Gains and Disease Cure: A Systematic Review.- Chapter 22. Advances in Marine Medical Nutrition: Achieving an Ecological Balance.

About the author

Dr. Naranjan S. Dhalla
has published more than 687 full-length papers in refereed journals and 205 papers in books and monographs. His research work has been cited more than 36,856 times (h-index of 89), and he edited 68 books on various aspects of the cardiovascular system. He has been an invited speaker at more than 413 national and international conferences and 151 institutions. Dr. Dhalla has trained more than 166 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and visiting scientists. In his capacity as Secretary General and President of the International Society for Heart Research, he was engaged in promoting the scientific basis of cardiovascular medicine for 25 years. He has been Editor-in-Chief of a major international journal, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, for the past 35 years and has also served as Executive Director of the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences since 1996. He has received 225 honours and awards from all over the world, including MD/DSc Honorary Degrees from 7 Institutions and Professor Honarari Causa from 4 Universities. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame as well as the Winnipeg Citizen Hall of Fame. Dr. Dhalla is Honorary Life President of the IACS and is serving as Distinguished Professor, University of Manitoba and Director of Cardiovascular Developments at the St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

Dr. Paramjit S. Tappia
has over 30 years of research experience, with a particular interest in nutrition, biomarkers , and subcellular and molecular mechanisms of human disease . He received his B.Sc. (Honors) in Pharmacology from the University of Sunderland, U.K. in 1985 and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Wolverhampton, U.K. in 1992. He received postdoctoral training at the Institute of Human Nutrition, University of Southampton, U.K. from 1992-1995. In 1996, he joined the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada, as a Research Associate. He is currently a Principal Investigator and Clinical Scientist in the Asper Clinical Research Institute, St. Boniface Hospital. To date, he has published 143 full-length peer-review papers with an H-index of 39, and 43 book chapters in the field of cardiovascular sciences and nutrition. He has edited 9 books and currently serves as Associate Editor of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and is on the Editorial Boards for 4 other international journals. Dr. Tappia also serves as Editor-in-Chief of CV Network, which is the official news bulletin of the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences. Dr. Tappia has served on the scientific advisory boards as well as on organizing committees for several international meetings and has successfully trained several undergraduate and graduate students, technicians, and post-doctoral fellows.  

Dr. Vijayan Elimban
is a Senior Research Consultant at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada. He obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and joined the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology at the University of Manitoba in 1982. Dr. Elimban has authored more than 130 publications focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying experimental cardiology. His extensive body of work demonstrates a broad spectrum of research interests and contributions to both national and international peer-reviewed journals. He has also engaged in collaborative scientific initiatives and academic programs across several countries. In addition to his research activities, Dr. Elimban served on the editorial board of an international scientific journal and is an active member of multiple professional associations.

Summary

This volume explores the multiple roles of micronutrients and vitamins in human health and disease, focusing on how micronutrients influence biochemical processes and cellular function. It takes a multidisciplinary approach and highlights the complex roles of micronutrients, providing a compilation of information ranging from fundamental knowledge to recommendations for their use as supplements in clinical practice, as well as broadening our understanding of the importance of micronutrients. Divided into three thematic parts, the book brings together cutting-edge research and expert opinions from around the world.
The first part focuses on the biochemical and physiological effects of micronutrients in various health contexts, such as obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and sports nutrition. The chapters examine the modulation of cellular pathways, oxidative stress, inflammation, and necroptosis, highlighting both the therapeutic potential and the risks of micronutrient deficiencies and toxicities. The second part examines the pathophysiological functions of key vitamins (D, E, A, and K2), emphasising their role in immunity, metabolism, neurodegeneration, bone health, and endocrine disruption. Special attention is given to vitamin deficiencies in athletes and the synergistic effects of gut microbiota and antioxidant vitamins. The final section explores plant- and marine-based micronutrients, highlighting their economic and ecological benefits in the treatment of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Topics covered include polyphenols, cranberries and marine bioactives, with a focus on blue biotechnology and sustainable nutrition.
This book is an essential resource for physicians, researchers, nutritionists, and students, offering a deep understanding of how micronutrients and vitamins influence molecular mechanisms, cellular function, and disease prevention. It bridges the gap between basic science and clinical relevance, providing new insights into the changing role of nutrition in global health. 

Product details

• Assisted by: Naranjan S. Dhalla (Editor), Vijayan Elimban (Editor), Paramjit S Tappia (Editor), Paramjit S. Tappia (Editor)
• Publisher: Springer, Berlin
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 03.05.2026
• EAN: 9783032144409
• ISBN: 978-3-0-3214440-9
• No. of pages: 490
• Illustrations: X, 490 p. 60 illus., 50 illus. in color.
• Series: Advances in Biochemistry in Health and Disease
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > Biochemistry, biophysics; Diätetik und Ernährung, Zellbiologie (Zytologie), Krankheiten und Störungen, Stoffwechsel, Metabolismus, Nutrition, Cancer, Mental Health, METABOLISM, Neuroscience, MINERALS, biochemistry, Inflammation, Metals, Cell Biology, Cardiovascular Disease, metabolic disease, Mechanisms of Disease, Micronutrients, Cations, Cell Function, Cellular Biochemistry