How B Vitamins Support the Immune System
Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 are crucial to producing immune system cells.
Vitamin B6
B6 supports antibody production.
Deficiency reduces antibody formation, as well as growth, proliferation, and activity of certain white blood cells.
B6 is critical for optimal immune system response, and to absorb immune system supporting vitamin B12.
Studies have shown that B6 supplementation may enhance the production of lymphocyte white blood cells.
Young women, male smokers, black men, and people over 65 tend to have abnormally high rates of B6 deficiency.
Folate
Folate, Vitamin B9, helps produce RNA and DNA, which are necessary for immune response.
Clinical folate deficiency reduces circulating levels of T cells needed for healthy immunity.
Folate and Vitamin B12 support healthy levels of homocysteine and reduce the effects of oxidative stress.
While clinical folate deficiency is rare, risk factors for marginal status are common, including:
Poor diet
Chronic medication use
Malabsorption
Obesity
Smoking
Alcohol use
B12
Studies show B12 deficiency decreases activity and quantity of multiple types of immune system cells, while B12 injections restore that activity.
B12 deficiency is common, occurring in up to 15% of the US population.
Older adults, people who have had bariatric surgery, people with gastrointestinal disorders, and vegetarians are at risk for deficiency.
How to prevent deficiency with supplements
Some conditions and lifestyle factors make it difficult to absorb B vitamins from food.
Lypo-Spheric® B Complex Plus offers a better way to absorb the B vitamins needed for optimal immune system function. The supplement contains biologically active forms of the B vitamins — including the pre-methylated Quatrefolic® 5-MTHF (folate), Methylcobalamin (B12), and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (B6) — as well as the rest of the B vitamin family and the immune-supporting mineral zinc.
It’s encapsulated in spheres known as liposomes, made of the same material that makes up your cell membranes, so they can deliver folate, B6, B12, and other B vitamins and minerals to your bloodstream and your cells.
