Water-soluble vitamins: their physiological significance, role in life of humans and their content in the nutrition of the population suffered as a result of Chernobyl accident

Aim of the Research. Generalization of information about the properties and history of discovery of water-soluble vitamins, their up-to-date classification, sources of their intake and daily consumption by people of different ages and for people affected by the Chernobyl accident and living in environmentally hazardous areas. The article describes the results and data of long-term studies of the actual consumption of water-soluble vitamins by the population living in radioactively contaminated areas as a result of the Chernobyl accident. Materials and Methods. The presented data of the academic literature on the history of discovery of vitamins reveal their main characteristics and significance for the functioning of the human body. The information about physiological needs and the main sources of vitamins intake are presented. Conclusions. The article is relevant for family doctors, hygienists, nutritiologists, nutritionists and others as a scientific information material on the prevention and correction of vitamin deficiency. Key Words: water-soluble vitamins, vitamin deficiency, daily intake of vitamins, population of environmentally fragile regions, Chernobyl accident.