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Feeding the immune system.

Philip C Calder1

  • 1Human Development and Health Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. pcc@soton.ac.uk

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|May 22, 2013
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A robust immune system is vital for defense and tolerance. Immune competence naturally declines with age and is compromised by malnutrition, increasing infection risk.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • The immune system provides defense against pathogens and tolerance to harmless substances.
  • Immune competence naturally develops in infancy, declines with aging, and is affected by nutritional status.
  • The gut-associated lymphoid tissue plays a crucial role in immune health due to its interaction with gut microbiota and food antigens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the key functions of the immune system.
  • To discuss the impact of aging and malnutrition on immune competence.
  • To highlight the role of micronutrients and probiotics in modulating immune function.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of immune system function, development, and regulation.
  • Analysis of factors affecting immune competence, including aging, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies.
  • Examination of the role of gut-associated lymphoid tissue and probiotic interventions.

Main Results:

  • Immune competence is crucial for defense and tolerance but declines with age and undernutrition.
  • Protein-energy malnutrition severely impacts non-specific and cell-mediated immunity.
  • Specific micronutrient deficiencies (Vitamins A, D, E; Zn, Fe, Se) impair immune function.
  • Probiotics may enhance immune function by modulating gut microbiota.

Conclusions:

  • Maintaining optimal immune function is essential throughout life, particularly during early development and old age.
  • Adequate nutrition, including sufficient protein, energy, and micronutrients, is critical for supporting immune defenses.
  • Targeting the gut microbiota with probiotics presents a potential strategy for enhancing immune function.