Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
10:46
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Impact of vitamin E on immune function and its clinical implications
Sung Nim Han1, Simin Nikbin Meydani
1Tufts University, Nutritional Immunology Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, 711 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA. sungnim.han@tufts.edu
Expert Review of Clinical Immunology
|May 19, 2010
Summary
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, is crucial for immune function. Supplementation may enhance immunity and resistance to pathogens, particularly in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Vitamin E acts as a critical antioxidant, protecting cellular membranes from oxidative stress.
- Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of vitamin E in modulating immune system responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current dietary intake and supplementation status of vitamin E.
- To examine the multifaceted effects of vitamin E on immune functions and its underlying mechanisms.
- To assess the clinical significance of vitamin E supplementation, especially in aging populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of animal and human studies.
- Analysis of data on vitamin E consumption and supplement use.
- Synthesis of research on vitamin E's impact on humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
Main Results:
- Vitamin E deficiency demonstrably impairs both humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
- Supplementation above recommended levels has been linked to enhanced immune responses.
- Increased resistance to pathogens, particularly in the elderly, is associated with vitamin E supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin E plays a vital role in maintaining robust immune function.
- Optimizing vitamin E levels through diet or supplementation can bolster immune defenses.
- Further research into vitamin E's clinical applications in immune support is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
01:30Vitamins
Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...