Centennial Review: Effects of vitamins A, D, E, and C on the chicken immune system

Abstract

Vitamins are nutritional elements which are necessary for essential activities such as development, growth, and metabolism of cells. In addition to these conventional functions, vitamins A, D, E, and C have vital roles in normal function of the immune system as their deficiency is known to impair innate and adaptive host responses. By altering transcription of multiple immune system genes and contributing to antioxidant activities, these vitamins influence the immune system in different ways including modulation of cell-mediated and antibody-mediated responses, immunoregulation, and antiinflammatory effects. Furthermore, supplementation of these vitamins to poultry may assist the immune system to combat microbial pathogens while reducing detrimental effects associated with stress and enhancing responses to vaccines. In this article, the relationship between the chicken immune system and vitamins A, D, E, and C is reviewed, and evidence from the literature pertaining to how these vitamins exert their antiinflammatory, regulatory, and antimicrobial effects is discussed.

Prophylactic effects of dietary ascorbic acid on oxidative stress indices, physiological and behavioural responses of domestic pigeons exposed to road transport stress

“…Vitamin C or AA has potent antioxidant impacts in defence system by free radicals neutralisation, dehydrocarboxyl production and elevation of the activity of antioxidant enzymes in birds subjected to stressors (Shojadoost et al., 2021 ). Furthermore, AA protects birds against stress by decreasing cortisol secretion, lipid peroxidation and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione in the body (Macan et al., 2019 ).…”

“…Studies have established the positive effects of dietary AA on improving immune response, growth performance and health status in birds under stressful conditions. As well as, supplements of AA modulated oxidative stress and increased the survival rate in broilers under stress (Gouda et al., 2020 ; Shojadoost et al., 2021 ). Various researches have used AA for attenuating the destructive effects of transport stress on chickens, ostriches, quail and laying hens (Minka and Ayo, 2008 , 2010 , 2013 ).…”

The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Interleukin-10 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Cytokines in Rattus norvegicus with Endometritis

“…AA is one of the important antioxidants for defense mechanisms and immune homeostasis of the body [13]. The antioxidant properties of AA are important because of its ability to donate electrons and protect the integrity of many cells, including lymphocytes, against damage from radicals generated in response to infection or toxin [18]. However, under stressful conditions such as vaccination, thermal stress, or infection, the need for AA increases.…”

“…However, under stressful conditions such as vaccination, thermal stress, or infection, the need for AA increases. Therefore, supplementation with AA may reduce the side effects associated with stressful conditions [18].…”

Effect of Prophylactic Vitamin C Administration On The Efficiency of Florfenicol Or Sulfadiazine-Trimethoprim Antimicrobial Therapy In Chickens With Staphylococcal Arthritis

“…On the hand, there are evidence that indicate immunomodulatory (both cell-mediated and antibodymediated pathways), and anti-in ammatory properties of vitamin C in poultry (Shojadoost et al 2021). Interestingly, vitamin C has shown inhibiting effects on in vitro growth of S. aureus by affecting metabolic pathways of the bacteria (Kallio et al 2012, Golonka et al 2017).…”