enzyme activation assays

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enzyme activation assays Used to assess nutritional status with respect to vitamins B1, B2, and B6. A sample of red blood cells in a test‐tube is tested for activity of the relevant enzyme before and after adding extra vitamin; enhancement of the enzyme activity beyond a standard level serves as a biochemical index of a deficiency of the vitamin in question. The enzymes involved are transketolase for vitamin B1, glutathione reductase for vitamin B2, and either aspartate or alanine aminotransferase for vitamin B6.