OBJECTIVE To explore the improvement effect of vitamins B1, B2, PP supplementation to the metabolism changes of carbohydrates, lipids, protein and energy in mice exposed to acute hypoxia. METHODS Fifty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal, acute hypoxia, acute hypoxia plus 2 times, 4 times and 8 times vitamins B1, B2, PP supplemented groups. All mice were fed corresponding diets for two weeks and then except the normal group were exposed to a simulated altitude of 6 000 meters for 8 hours. The changes of glucose, pyruvate, lactate, urea nitrogen, free fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyric acid from serum, liver glycogen and blood adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration were measured. RESULTS After being exposed to acute hypoxia, the mice glucose, liver glycogen, pyruvate, lactate, free fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyric acid and urea nitrogen level were increased significantly (P < 0.05), while blood ATP concentration was decreased. In the vitamins B1, B2 and PP supplemented groups, these changes were improved. CONCLUSIONS The significant changes in carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism were observed in mice exposed to acute hypoxia, and the supplementation of vitamins B1, B2 and PP was proved to be beneficial in improving some metabolic pathways. It is suggested that the supplemented dose of four times was good.