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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
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Isolation, Characterization and Functional Examination of the Gingival Immune Cell Network
Published on: February 16, 2016
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Immune Function and Micronutrient Requirements Change over the Life Course
Silvia Maggini1, Adeline Pierre2, Philip C Calder3,4
1Bayer Consumer Care AG, 4002 Basel, Switzerland. silvia.maggini@bayer.com.
Nutrients
|October 20, 2018
Summary
Maintaining immune competence throughout life requires adequate nutrition. Deficiencies in key micronutrients increase infection risk, but supplementation can enhance immunity and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Nutritional Science
- Life Course Health Research
Background:
- Immune competence naturally changes across the human lifespan, influencing infection susceptibility.
- Nutrition plays a critical role in immune system development, maturation, and decline.
- A complex interplay exists between nutrition, immunity, and infection risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review immune system considerations across different life stages.
- To examine infection risks associated with age-related immune changes.
- To explore micronutrient requirements, deficiencies, and supplementation's impact on immunity and infection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing evidence on life-stage-specific immunity.
- Analysis of the relationship between nutrition, micronutrient status, and infection.
- Evaluation of studies on micronutrient supplementation and immune function.
Main Results:
- Specific micronutrients (Vitamins A, C, D, E, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, iron, selenium, zinc) are vital for immunocompetence.
- Micronutrient deficiencies are a global health concern, increasing infection predisposition.
- Restoring deficient micronutrients can improve immune function and infection outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional status significantly impacts immune competence and infection risk throughout life.
- Tailored micronutrient supplementation may be necessary beyond dietary intake.
- Addressing micronutrient deficiencies is crucial for enhancing resistance to infection and promoting recovery.
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