The Role of Oat Nutrients in the Immune System: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Optimal nutrition is the foundation for the development and maintenance of a healthy immune system. An optimal supply of nutrients is required for biosynthesis of immune factors and immune cell proliferation. Nutrient deficiency/inadequacy and hidden hunger, which manifests as depleted nutrients reserves, increase the risk of infectious diseases and aggravate disease severity. Therefore, an adequate and balanced diet containing an abundant diversity of foods, nutrients, and non-nutrient chemicals is paramount for an optimal immune defense against infectious diseases, including cold/flu and non-communicable diseases. Some nutrients and foods play a larger role than others in the support of the immune system. Oats are a nutritious whole grain and contain several immunomodulating nutrients. In this narrative review, we discuss the contribution of oat nutrients, including dietary fiber (β-glucans), copper, iron, selenium, and zinc, polyphenolics (ferulic acid and avenanthramides), and proteins (glutamine) in optimizing the innate and adaptive immune system’s response to infections directly by modulating the innate and adaptive immunity and indirectly by eliciting changes in the gut microbiota and related metabolites.

Multiple Antioxidative and Bioactive Molecules of Oats (Avena sativa L.) in Human Health

“…The nutritional benefits of oats as a food product have been studied in different ways. As shown in Table 1 , oats are a good source of high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fibers such as β-glucan and soluble dietary fibers, fat, minerals, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and antioxidants [ 13 , 18 , 24 ]. Compared to other grains, proteins in oats are superior in quantity and quality, especially for humans and non-ruminants, based on the composition of essential amino acids.…”

“…Previous studies by oat breeders mainly focused on phenotype selection and disease resistance related to the yield, and there are fewer studies on genetics and other necessary traits of oats than those of other grains [ 157 , 158 , 159 ]. However, following the recognition of their excellent nutritional effects and health benefits, studies on oats and their consumption have steadily increased, including in Korea [ 24 ]. However, studies have been mainly focused on the cultivation or quality evaluation as fodder crops and development of bulky feed varieties rather than edible varieties [ 160 , 161 , 162 ].…”

Importance of nutrition for immune defense. The role of milk and its natural components

“…El sistema inmunitario (SI), a través del sistema inmune innato (SII) y del sistema inmune adaptativo (SIA), tiene la función principal de proteger al organismo de las agresiones externas provocadas por microorganismos, alergenos y agentes tóxicos (1,2).…”

“…Por tanto, el funcionamiento del SI es un buen marcador del estado de salud de un individuo y mantenerlo en buen estado es de gran importancia (1,2).…”

A importância dos nutrientes na otimização do sistema imunológico / The importance of nutrients in optimizing the immune system

“…Para que as células imunológicas sejam ativadas de forma eficaz faz-se necessário um aporte adequado de nutrientes, pois uma deficiência nutricional pode resultar no comprometimento do sistema imune e consequentemente aumentar o risco para o desenvolvimento de doenças. Diante dessa perspectiva, uma alimentação saudável e variada é fundamental para que haja o ideal funcionamento do sistema de defesa (CHEN et al, 2021).…”