Document 0650
 DOCN  M9440650
 TI    Vitamin B6 and immune competence.
 DT    9404
 AU    Rall LC; Meydani SN; Nutritional Immunology Laboratory, USDA Human
       Nutrition Research; Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111.
 SO    Nutr Rev. 1993 Aug;51(8):217-25. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/94134319
 AB    Animal and human studies suggest that vitamin B6 deficiency affects both
       humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Lymphocyte differentiation
       and maturation are altered by deficiency, delayed-type hypersensitivity
       responses are reduced, and antibody production may be indirectly
       impaired. Although repletion of the vitamin restores these functions,
       megadoses do not produce benefits beyond those observed with moderate
       supplementation. Additional human studies indicate that vitamin B6
       status may influence tumor growth and disease processes. Deficiency of
       the vitamin has been associated with immunological changes observed in
       the elderly, persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
       and those with uremia or rheumatoid arthritis. Future research efforts
       should focus on establishing the mechanism underlying the effects of
       vitamin B6 on immunity and should attempt to establish safe intake
       levels that optimize immune response.
 DE    Aging/IMMUNOLOGY  Animal  Antibody Formation  Human  Immunity, Cellular
       *Immunocompetence  Pyridoxine/*PHYSIOLOGY  Pyridoxine
       Deficiency/*IMMUNOLOGY  Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.  JOURNAL ARTICLE
       REVIEW  REVIEW, TUTORIAL

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).