Specific application of single nutrients as a basic treatment in immunostimulating therapy

Many results of biochemical and animal experiments as well as clinical trials provide justification for the administration of essential fatty acids (EFAs) as a supplementary therapy in rheumatic diseases, atopic disorders and chronic infections. Defective regulation of inflammatory responses or disordered immune mechanisms are probably central to the pathologic processes encountered in chronic inflammatory diseases and immunologic disorders. Epidemiologic studies indicate that vitamins and trace elements are often provided at levels much below the currently accepted minimum requirement and therefore other factors, namely zinc, selenium, niacin, pyridoxine, vitamin A, E and folic acid must also be considered in substitution. In order to optimize immunostimulating therapy the negative influence of suboptimal levels of EFAs, vitamins and trace elements should always be taken into account.