Which vitamin is essential for protein metabolism and absorption, and aids in the release of glucose from glycogen?

Which vitamin is essential for protein metabolism and absorption, and aids in the release of glucose from glycogen?

• A. Vitamin B6
• B. Vitamin B1
• C. Vitamin B12
• D. Vitamin C

Answer: (A)

Vitamin B6 is needed because its active form, pyridoxal phosphate, serves as a coenzyme for amino acid metabolism, enabling transamination and other reactions that build and break down proteins. This makes it essential for protein metabolism and the proper handling of amino acids. At the same time, it acts as a cofactor for glycogen phosphorylase, the enzyme that releases glucose from glycogen when energy is needed. So this vitamin ties together the ability to process proteins with the quick glucose supply your body can pull from stored glycogen. The other vitamins don’t share this combination of roles: thiamine supports carbohydrate energy pathways but not protein metabolism or glycogen breakdown in the same way, B12 centers on DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, and vitamin C is mainly an antioxidant and collagen helper.

Vitamin B6 is needed because its active form, pyridoxal phosphate, serves as a coenzyme for amino acid metabolism, enabling transamination and other reactions that build and break down proteins. This makes it essential for protein metabolism and the proper handling of amino acids. At the same time, it acts as a cofactor for glycogen phosphorylase, the enzyme that releases glucose from glycogen when energy is needed. So this vitamin ties together the ability to process proteins with the quick glucose supply your body can pull from stored glycogen. The other vitamins don’t share this combination of roles: thiamine supports carbohydrate energy pathways but not protein metabolism or glycogen breakdown in the same way, B12 centers on DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, and vitamin C is mainly an antioxidant and collagen helper.