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Nutrition, geoepidemiology, and autoimmunity
Carlo Selmi1, Koichi Tsuneyama
1Department of Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Italy. carlo.selmi@unimi.it
Autoimmunity Reviews
|December 9, 2009
Summary
Dietary factors significantly influence immune responses and autoimmune diseases. Evidence suggests specific nutrients like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in managing autoimmunity.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Immunology
- Autoimmune Disease Pathogenesis
Background:
- The link between nutrition and immunity is centuries old, with recent focus on dietary factors in autoimmunity.
- Autoimmune diseases show varying prevalence globally, potentially influenced by nutritional status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of specific dietary factors in modulating immune responses relevant to autoimmunity.
- To explore the connection between nutrition and the geoepidemiology of autoimmune conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nutrition and immune function.
- Analysis of data from experimental, animal models, and limited human studies.
Main Results:
- Specific dietary factors (e.g., vitamin D, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics) impact immune responses in infections, allergies, and autoimmunity.
- Nutritional influences may contribute to observed geographical patterns in autoimmune disease prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Emerging evidence supports a significant role for nutrition in autoimmunity.
- Further research, particularly human clinical trials, is needed to establish evidence-based dietary recommendations for patients.
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