Your blood is the foundation of health, transporting oxygen, nutrients, hormones and waste materials. There are about 12 pints of blood in the average adult body, which must be constantly filtered and recycled by the kidneys and spleen. Your blood consists of red blood cells, white blood cells and plasma, all of which depend on vitamins and minerals for their synthesis and upkeep.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, is an important nutrient in the synthesis of red blood cells, which only live for about 120 days. According to "Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health," vitamin B-6 plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells in bone marrow and is also needed to assemble hemoglobin -- an iron-based substance within red blood cells that carries oxygen and gives blood its red color.
Vitamins B-9 and B-12
Other B-vitamins play important roles in the synthesis of red blood cells, which are the most common cells within the bloodstream. Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin, is needed to help form red blood cells, white blood cells and platelet cells, in addition to maintaining the central nervous system and neuron health, according to "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition." Vitamin B-9, or folate, works closely with vitamin B-12 to form red blood cells in bone marrow and is also necessary for the synthesis of DNA, which controls all tissue growth and cell function. In general, B-vitamins are also involved with metabolism and energy production, which is needed to continually produce all the cells within blood.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, has a variety of beneficial effects on the immune component of the blood. According to "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition," studies have shown that vitamin C stimulates the production of many white blood cell types. This includes killer-T cells, which are produced in the thymus gland and attack pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C also displays strong antioxidant properties, allowing it to eliminate harmful free-radicals from the bloodstream. It also enhances the absorption of iron, which is vital for the production of hemoglobin. Vitamin C is needed for the manufacture and repair of collagen and connective tissue, functions important for maintaining blood vessel integrity and blood pressure.
Magnesium
In addition to bone health and muscle tone, magnesium also plays an essential role in regulating blood pressure. According to "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Metabolism," magnesium is a powerful vasodilator, enabling blood vessels to relax and increase in diameter. This increases blood flow and reduces blood pressure. High blood pressure is a known symptom of magnesium deficiency. Further, magnesium regulates levels of calcium, potassium and sodium, which are important for muscle contraction and electrolyte balance. Magnesium also has an alkalizing affect on the blood and other tissues, helping to maintain alkaline pH levels.
References
- "Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health"; G. Combs; 2008
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
- "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition"; Martha Stipanuk; 2006
- "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism"; Carolyn D. Berdanier; 2009
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