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Influence of zinc on immunity in the elderly
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, PO Box 1709, Newark, NJ 07101-1709, USA. bogden@umdnj.edu
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|January 20, 2004
Summary
Severe zinc deficiency severely impairs immunity, increasing infection risk. Zinc supplementation can help deficient individuals but high doses may harm immune function and copper levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Zinc is crucial for immune system function.
- Severe zinc deficiency significantly compromises cellular immunity, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and mortality.
- The impact of mild to moderate zinc deficiency on immunity is less understood but may present subtly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of zinc deficiency and supplementation on cellular immunity.
- To elucidate the effects of varying levels of zinc deficiency on immune responses.
- To assess the benefits and risks of zinc supplementation on immune function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on zinc deficiency and immune function.
- Analysis of evidence regarding cellular immunity impairment due to zinc deficiency.
- Evaluation of research on zinc supplementation outcomes, including effects on immunity and nutrient interactions.
Main Results:
- Severe zinc deficiency demonstrably impairs cellular immunity, increasing risks of infection and death.
- Mild to moderate zinc deficiency has less pronounced, potentially subtle, effects on immune function.
- Zinc supplementation, particularly with other micronutrients, can improve immunity in deficient individuals.
- High-dose, single-nutrient zinc supplementation can adversely affect immune functions and copper status.
Conclusions:
- Zinc status is critical for maintaining robust cellular immunity.
- Supplementation strategies should consider the level of deficiency and potential interactions with other nutrients.
- Careful dosing of zinc is necessary to avoid adverse effects on immune function and copper balance.
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