How can vitamin B6 affect your immunity?

In this study a small group of healthy elderly adults were put through a depletion phase for vitamin B6 (Maydani SN, et al., 1991).

The reason was to find out how it would affect their immune system.

B-6 depletion significantly decreased the percentage and total number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. In addition to that, it resulted in a negative effect on T-and B-cells which also is a part of the immune response. Interleukin 2 production was affected, another substance which is activated in the immune response.

The result of the research showed that vitamin B6 depletion resulted in impairment of immunity in healthy elderly adults. This was however reversible by taking Vitamin B6.

Drinking alcohol as well as stress can make the body lose B vitamins.

It is better to take a high-quality B-complex instead of an individual B vitamin. B12 and folic acid can also affect the immunity.

References:

Meydani SN, Ribaya-Mercado JD, Russell RM, Sahyoun N, Morrow FD, Gershoff SN.Vitamin B-6 deficiency impairs interleukin 2 production and lymphocyte proliferation in elderly adults. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991 May;53(5):1275-80.

B-Complex EF

This is not a regular B vitamin formula.

The B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (methylcobalamin) comes in their physiologically active form, making them easier to absorb.