[B-complex vitamins an the prophylaxis of metabolic diseases (author's transl)]

The role of the vitamins of the B group in the therapy of metabolic diseases has been the theme of a recent symposium. All these vitamins exert essential functions in the balance of the intermediary metabolism and consequently in the treatment of their disorders. As far as metabolic diseases and the use of vitamins, i.e. of biological substances, are concerned, the boundaries between the fields of therapy and prophylaxis are difficult to settle strictly. The recent literature concerning these points is reviewed and some concepts discussed.