Vitamins B3 and B6 and Their Importance in Immune Protection

B vitamins are important cofactors and coenzymes in many metabolic pathways and they play critical roles in the maintenance of immune homeostasis (tendency toward balance). Deficiencies in vitamin B₃ and B₆ have been found under inflammatory conditions and both vitamins have anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, deficiencies in these vitamins have been associated with diseases or disorders that are linked with inflammation. Importantly, both vitamins have been shown to regulate immune cell numbers and functions. Along with other important ingredients in Proprietary Blend and Pinnaclife^® ImmuneHealth including hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and N-acetylcysteine, vitamin B₃ and B₆ have been demonstrated to increase immune protection.

• Vitamins B₃ and B₆ are key nutrients included in Proprietary Blend and Pinnaclife^® ImmuneHealth
• Deficiencies in these vitamins can result in inflammation and diseases or disorders associated with inflammation
• Both vitamins serve as important cofactors or coenzymes in metabolic pathways and play vital roles in regulating immunity
• Along with other important ingredients in Proprietary Blend and ImmuneHealth, including the olive polyphenols hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, as well as N-acetylcysteine, vitamin B3 and B6 can enhance immune protection to help increase health

Vitamins B₃ and B₆ are part of the vitamin B complex and are also important ingredients in Proprietary Blend (along with olive polyphenols plus other beneficial nutrients) that is included in Pinnaclife^® ImmuneHealth. B₃ and B₆ have important roles in metabolism as well as in regulating and enhancing immunity. In fact, B vitamins are important cofactors and coenzymes in many metabolic pathways, and it has been shown that B vitamins have critical roles in the maintenance of immune homeostasis (tendency toward a stable equilibrium or balance)¹.

As mentioned, Proprietary Blend includes these B vitamins and includes the olive polyphenols hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, as well as other important nutrients such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), methylsulfonylmethane, and taurine, which are powerful antioxidants that also have potent anti-inflammatory activity^2-6. In addition, Proprietary Blend includes the amino acids proline and glycine that are important for protein synthesis, collagen formation, and wound healing^7,8. Hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and NAC have also been shown to be important for protective immune responses against pathogens^9-11.

Interestingly, vitamins B₃ and B₆ are both anti-inflammatory and low levels of these vitamins have been found under inflammatory conditions^1,12. In fact, vitamin B₃ is a potent inhibitor of proinflammatory signaling molecules^13,14. Deficiencies in vitamin B₃ (also known as niacinamide or nicotinamide) are associated with malnutrition and can result in intestinal inflammation and dermatitis¹. Notably, deficiencies have been found in people that have anorexia nervosa or obesity, or that have diets high in corn and low in animal protein^15-17.

Vitamin B₆ serves as a cofactor in over 150 enzyme activities including the synthesis of nucleic acids, as well as the degradation of glycogen^18,19. Deficiencies in vitamin B₆ have been associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease that is associated with inflammation¹⁹. In fact, vitamin B₆ helps control blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine that may be critical for lowering susceptibility to heart disease and stroke^20-22. Deficiencies in vitamin B₆ have been associated with certain medications and smoking, and have also been found in individuals with alcoholism, diabetes, and celiac disease¹².

Vitamin B₃ has been used to help improve inflammatory conditions, including skin disorders, and has been shown to prevent suppressed immune responses due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation^23,24. Vitamin B₃ has also been found to increase levels of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that help protect cells from infections. In fact, vitamin B₃ has been shown to boost AMPs in human gut epithelial cells and in neutrophils (cells that are important in early immune responses)²⁵. Moreover, vitamin B₃ has antioxidant properties (free radical scavenging), which have been associated with increased immunity^18,19.

Free radicals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), are unstable because they contain unpaired electrons resulting in their ability to steal electrons from other molecules in a process known as oxidation. Free radical damage can involve damage to cell membranes, DNA, proteins, lipids, and organelles including mitochondria (known as cell powerhouses)²⁶. Antioxidants are absolutely required to regulate the reactions that release free radicals^27,28. In addition, antioxidants improve immune functions related to protection against infections^27,29. As mentioned previously, together with vitamin B₃, Pinnaclife^® ImmuneBoost with Proprietary Blend contains other important antioxidants, including hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, NAC, methylsulfonylmethane, and taurine.

Vitamin B₆ deficiency has been shown to decrease the growth of lymphocytes (T cells and B cells) that are critical for adaptive immune responses. In one important study, it was discovered that proliferation and maturation of these cells was inhibited using a model of vitamin B₆ deficiency³⁰. Other model studies have also demonstrated reductions in lymphocyte numbers, as well as functions^1,31. In a human study of elderly adults at risk for vitamin B₆ deficiency, B₆ depletion was used to examine effects on lymphocytes and it was discovered that depletion impaired cell-mediated immunity³¹. Importantly, vitamin B₆ supplementation has been found to increase immune responses in critically ill patients³².

Finally, vitamin B₃ has been found to stabilize mast cells and exert activity that blocks histamine, which is often associated with allergic reactions and itching³³. Vitamin B₃ has also been shown to modulate B cell activation, suggesting a role for this vitamin in regulating antibody-mediated autoimmune disorders¹³. In addition, vitamin B₃ has been demonstrated to promote the survival of natural killer cells that have shown promise for immunotherapy against certain tumors and malignancies. Increased natural killer cell numbers and cytotoxic activity due to vitamin B₃ was also discovered in this important study³⁴.

Interestingly, the results from various studies support the conclusion that hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein strengthen the immune system^9,10. In addition, numerous studies have shown that NAC can enhance immune responses^35,36. Pinnaclife^® ImmuneHealth with Proprietary Blend http://www.olivamine.com includes many important ingredients that support immune responses to increase health. ImmuneHealth helps repair and regenerate immune cells to prevent immune deficiencies. ImmuneHealth includes impeccably sourced ingredients that have undergone rigorous scientific review to prove we renew, restore, and repair cells.

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