We consider nonspecific or innate immunity to be the first line of defense. It is supported by acquired immunity, which is formed when the body comes into contact with pathogens and forms antibodies to destroy them.
Acquired immunity involves storing the pathogen, recognizing and using antibodies already present in the body to fight. Both types of defense armies need vitamin C. And not only … these armies.
Vitamin D makes the adjustments.
Tuning the defense system, however, makes them another vitamin. “Vitamin D goes from the state of a vitamin to a prohormone,” says Dr. Antonela Burlacu, primary endocrinologist.
This means that the body turns it into an active hormone. All hormones have receptors. We find them on bone cells, muscle cells, immune cells in the blood. Vitamin D binds to receptors and activates them, like a key opening a lock. What does tuning the immune system mean? In the fight against an attacker, the defense system must trigger optimal reactions to eliminate him. We don’t need overreaction. Exaggerated immune reactions mean inflammatory storm or cytokine storm. Vitamin D intervenes precisely in maintaining balance.
B vitamins support energy metabolism
Any defensive effort that the immune system makes consumes energy. Energy metabolism is supported by B vitamins. B vitamins – i.e. B1, B2, B 3, B6, B9, B12 – support all energy processes.
“Vitamin B 12 is essential in hematopoiesis. It is essential that the bone marrow produces red blood cells. Without vitamin B12, we have no way of making good cells in the blood. They are the globin chains. Iron, folic acid and vitamin B 12 are ingredients to get good hemoglobin, red blood cells, “says Dr. Antonela Burlacu, primary endocrinologist.
Red blood cells provide oxygenation to every human cell. Without vitamin B12 they cannot be built. Red blood cells live for 3 months, then new ones appear. Vitamin B 12 intervenes in the reconstruction.
