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Trace elements and host defense: recent advances and continuing challenges
1Department of Human Nutrition, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. failla.3@osu.edu
The Journal of Nutrition
|May 6, 2003
Summary
Essential trace elements like zinc are crucial for immune cell function. Supplementation, particularly zinc, can improve immunity and reduce infection risk in deficient individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Essential trace elements are vital for immune cell differentiation, activation, and function.
- Specific roles of micronutrients like zinc, iron, and copper in immune cell development are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the roles of zinc, iron, and copper in immune cell selection, maturation, and early activation.
- To evaluate the impact of zinc supplementation on immunocompetence and infection outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized analytical cell biology, molecular genetics, and array technology to study trace element involvement.
- Conducted randomized controlled clinical and community trials to assess zinc supplementation effects.
Main Results:
- Gained new insights into the participation of zinc, iron, and copper in early immune cell events.
- Demonstrated that zinc supplementation enhances immunocompetence and reduces infection incidence and severity in mild deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Trace elements play critical roles in immune cell development and function.
- Zinc supplementation is a promising strategy to improve immune status and combat infectious diseases, especially in deficient populations.