Changes in the immune system are conditioned by nutrition

Abstract

Undernutrition due to insufficient intake of energy and macronutrients and/or due to deficiencies in specific micronutrients impairs the immune system, suppressing immune functions that are fundamental to host protection. The most consistent abnormalities are seen in cell-mediated immunity, complement system, phagocyte function, cytokine production, mucosal secretory antibody response, and antibody affinity. There is a number of physiological situations such as ageing and performance of intense physical exercise associated with an impairment of some immune parameters' response. Nutrition can influence the extent of immune alteration in both of them. There are also numerous pathological situations in which nutrition plays a role as a primary or secondary determinant of some underlying immunological impairments. This includes obesity, eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), food hypersensitivity and gastrointestinal disorders as some examples. The implications of nutrition on immune function in these disorders are briefly reviewed.

Investigation of regulatory T cells in anorexia nervosa

“…Interestingly, AN patients are well protected against infections for a long time (Marcos et al, 2003). Several data support that during the initial and mid-phase of AN only CD8 þ lymphocytes (cell type responsible for cell-mediated immunity) are affected, whereas the function of CD4 þ lymphocytes (conductors of the immune response) are maintained for a long time (Mustafa et al, 1997).…”

Physical activity, immunity and infection

“…Lacking adequate nutrition, the immune system is undoubtedly deprived of the components needed to generate an effective immune response (104) . Vitamins (A, b-carotene, folic acid, B6, B12, C, E and riboflavin) and minerals (Fe, Zn and Se) play a pivotal role in maintaining the antioxidant/oxidant balance in immune cells and in protecting them from oxidative stress and preserving their adequate function (104)(105)(106)(107) . …”

“…exercise periods) upon the immune system (104) . A number of non-systematic review articles have recommended that athletes consume a balanced diet ensuring energy and nutrient requirements (108,109) .…”

Obesity Etiology: Examination of Fast-Food Eating among College Students

“…While recent studies are examining the role of a high fat diet as a contributing factor for bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) which trigger toll-like receptors preparatory to inflammation and inflammation is the key driver for chronic disease of which Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are foremost [28][29][30][31]. Marcos et al state that there are numerous pathological situations where nutrients (fat, carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, minerals) play a primary or secondary determinant role for some underlying immunological impairment of which obesity is now subsumed [32]. Interesting findings concerning water consumption may also contribute to the US obesity epidemic and etiological data.…”