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Related Experiment Videos

The immune system: a target for functional foods?

Philip C Calder1, Samantha Kew

  • 1Institute of Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, UK. pcc@soton.ac.uk

The British Journal of Nutrition
|December 24, 2002
PubMed
Summary

The immune system protects against pathogens, with variations influenced by diet and lifestyle. Nutrient deficiencies impair immunity, but restoring levels can improve function, though excessive intake may be harmful.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology and Nutritional Science
  • Investigating the complex interplay between the immune system, nutrition, and host defense mechanisms.

Background:

  • The immune system comprises innate and acquired divisions, utilizing cells and blood-borne factors to distinguish self from non-self.
  • Significant inter-individual variations in immune function exist, influenced by genetics, age, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
  • Undernutrition, due to insufficient energy, macronutrients, or micronutrients, demonstrably impairs immune competence and host protection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between nutrient status and immune function.
  • To identify key nutrients essential for optimal immune system performance.
  • To understand how nutritional interventions impact immune responses and infection resistance.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Review of existing animal and human studies on nutrient deficiencies and immune function.
  • Analysis of methodologies assessing immune function, often involving ex vivo cell cultures.
  • Examination of the effects of nutrient supplementation and excess intake on immune parameters.

Main Results:

  • Deficiencies in essential amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins (A, B6, B12, C, E), and minerals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Se) impair various aspects of immunity.
  • Restoring deficient nutrient levels in the diet has been shown to restore immune function and infection resistance.
  • While some nutrients like vitamin E and zinc have been extensively studied, excessive intake of certain nutrients can also impair immune function.

Conclusions:

  • Nutrient status is a critical determinant of immune competence, with deficiencies leading to suppressed immune functions.
  • Restoration of deficient nutrients can effectively improve immune function and resistance to infection in affected individuals.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the impact of enhancing immune function on infection resistance in healthy populations, considering factors like probiotic use.