GLOSSARY

Vitamin-Derived Coenzyme is an organic enzyme helper formed partly from a vitamin, distinct from the protein enzyme itself.

Cofactor broadly names a nonprotein enzyme helper, while coenzymes are organic helpers. Several B vitamins become parts of coenzymes after conversion; vitamins do not all work in the same way. Coenzymes are necessary, but supplement amount alone does not set pathway speed: enzyme supply, substrates and energy-demand regulation also impose limits.

Riboflavin supplies FMN and FAD, coenzymes involved in electron transfer and nutrient utilisation. Enzyme-bound forms and regulated pathways differ from free riboflavin in food. Mitochondrial participation does not establish that taking a tablet automatically increases mitochondrial number or endurance in an already adequately supplied athlete; mechanism and demonstrated training outcomes are different levels of evidence.

Niacin includes nicotinic acid, nicotinamide and related compounds used to make NAD and NADP. These carriers participate in redox reactions and cellular functions. Oxidised NAD and its reduced form are chemically distinct. A related name on a supplement does not guarantee intact delivery into muscle or better performance; absorption and cellular regulation still intervene.

FAD is made from riboflavin; eating B2 does not mean intact coenzyme delivery to every muscle.

Pantothenic acid supports coenzyme A formation, whose pantetheine region carries acyl groups. This matters in fat and carbohydrate metabolism and synthesis. Oral pantetheine or a CoA label is not equivalent to directly increasing muscle coenzyme supply; digestion, conversion and intracellular regulation mediate between a consumed product and final function rather than allowing unrestricted pathway acceleration.

B6 includes pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine and their phosphorylated forms. PLP and PMP support amino-acid reactions and other pathways; PLP also participates in glycogen utilisation. These structures do not create separate dietary requirements. Active-form marketing without evidence and dose comparison does not establish universally superior absorption, safety or exercise performance.

Vitamins are organic compounds needed for normal function, not directly countable energy sources like fat or carbohydrate. Some participate in energy-releasing reactions, but that does not mean they contain dietary energy or generate fuel independently of food. Athletes need adequate vitamins alongside sufficient energy and macronutrients to use their fuels effectively.