[Vitaminology: from molecular aspects to improving technology of vitamin status children and adults]

A statistical analysis of the data on the sufficiency with vitamins of certain groups of the Russian adults and children from 1987 to 2017 revealed certain patterns. At first, the presence of multiple micronutrient deficiency (vitamins D, B group, as well as a number of minerals) is still a characteristic feature. At second, vitamin D deficit is the most common. At third, the decrease in the frequency of detection of B vitamin deficiency was inhibited and it still persists in a significant number of examined individuals (median detection frequency is 41%). Vitamin C, A and E deficiency is rarely found among healthy adults. The literature analysis and rat model studies show that the performance of each vitamin depends on the saturation of the organism with other vitamins. Sufficient provision of the body with all vitamins is a necessary condition for the implementation of many functions of vitamin D, the functions of B vitamins are inextricably linked. A diet composed of traditional products does not allow reaching the optimal supply of the body with vitamins and minerals. Everyday using of fortified foods or vitamin-mineral supplements (VMS) is an effective way to eliminate the micronutrient deficiency in the nutrition of the population. The theoretical basis for the development of VMS, intended for different groups of the population, includes the study of the initial vitamin-mineral status, features of work and physical activity, taking into account the role of the lack of individual vitamins in the development of the pathological process and the drug therapy used, individual characteristics of metabolism, in particular due to gene polymorphism. VMS with optimal composition should include vitamin D and all vitamins of B group. The doses of vitamins should be significant, comparable with the recommended daily intake. Additional biomedical requirements for the composition of VMS are formed taking into account the characteristics of the diet. The dose of the antioxidant vitamins and mineral substances should be increased in order to mitigate the effect of dietary fiber with adsorbing properties or polyunsaturated fatty acids that are susceptible to peroxidation and reduce antioxidant status of the organism. VMS with increased doses of all vitamins are intended for the quick and effective elimination of micronutrient deficiency. The total daily intake of micronutrients should not be excessive.