The fat-soluble vitamins 100 years later: where are we now?

William S Blaner

doi:10.1194/jlr.e039891

Abstract

In 1913, McCollum and Davis (1) published a paper entitled “The Necessity of Certain Lipins in the Diet During Growth” in which they showed that ether extractable organic compounds present in butter or eggs were required for maintaining the normal growth of rats. This effect on growth could not be obtained simply by feeding lard or olive oil. This was taken by McCollum and Davis to indicate that dietary fat alone was not responsible for their findings. These early investigators went on to conclude “…that there are certain accessory articles in certain food-stuffs which are essential for normal growth for extended periods.” This paper from a century ago is generally considered to be the first to provide evidence for the existence of fat-soluble vitamins. We now understand that there are four distinct fat-soluble vitamins that are required to maintain the good health of higher organisms, vitamins A, D, E, and K. We also now understand, at the molecular level, much regarding how these vitamins act to maintain good health. Each vitamin has its own distinct metabolism and distinct mechanism(s) of action. These four fat-soluble vitamins will be the focus of a new Journal of Lipid Research Thematic Review Series that will be published in four separate issues. This is the first installment of the Thematic Review Series and will have as its focus recent advances in the area of vitamin A biology and biochemistry. Subsequent Journal of Lipid Research issues will consider each of the other fat-soluble vitamins.

Highlights

In 1913, McCollum and Davis [1] published a paper entitled “The Necessity of Certain Lipins in the Diet During Growth” in which they showed that ether extractable organic compounds present in butter or eggs were required for maintaining the normal growth of rats
In the mid1970s, Sporn coined the term retinoid to refer to all compounds, both natural and synthetic, which bear a structural resemblance to all-trans-retinol, with or without the biological activity of vitamin A [2]
Vitamin A has been the focus of scientific investigation for almost 100 years, considerable research interest remains focused on this essential micronutrient

Summary

Introduction

In 1913, McCollum and Davis [1] published a paper entitled “The Necessity of Certain Lipins in the Diet During Growth” in which they showed that ether extractable organic compounds present in butter or eggs were required for maintaining the normal growth of rats. The third and final focus of vitamin A research activity involves investigations aimed at gaining new insights into the molecular actions of vitamin A and the molecular processes involved in its metabolism. Since the time of its identification as fat-soluble A, vitamin A, the central question regarding this micronutrient has concerned how it acts at the molecular level to promote normal health and prevent disease.

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Conclusion