scholarly journals A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System–Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian F. Gombart ◽  
Adeline Pierre ◽  
Silvia Maggini

Immune support by micronutrients is historically based on vitamin C deficiency and supplementation in scurvy in early times. It has since been established that the complex, integrated immune system needs multiple specific micronutrients, including vitamins A, D, C, E, B6, and B12, folate, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium, which play vital, often synergistic roles at every stage of the immune response. Adequate amounts are essential to ensure the proper function of physical barriers and immune cells; however, daily micronutrient intakes necessary to support immune function may be higher than current recommended dietary allowances. Certain populations have inadequate dietary micronutrient intakes, and situations with increased requirements (e.g., infection, stress, and pollution) further decrease stores within the body. Several micronutrients may be deficient, and even marginal deficiency may impair immunity. Although contradictory data exist, available evidence indicates that supplementation with multiple micronutrients with immune-supporting roles may modulate immune function and reduce the risk of infection. Micronutrients with the strongest evidence for immune support are vitamins C and D and zinc. Better design of human clinical studies addressing dosage and combinations of micronutrients in different populations are required to substantiate the benefits of micronutrient supplementation against infection.

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 753-757
Author(s):  
Anagha Gulhane ◽  
Shamli Hiware

It is the most unreliable truth that anybody can get infected by the COVID-19, and nobody can escape from the danger of getting tainted by the virus. Yet, the line of hope is that anyone and everyone can boost their resistance, thus avoid the risk of getting affected by the illness. The immunity of humans pulls down as they grow older. If their immune system is robust, them falling sick is feeble. If their resistance is weak, them getting ill is sound. Several factors affect the immune system and its ability, including its nourishment. A two-way connection between nutrition, infection and immunity presents. Changes in one part will affect the others part in our body that's the nature's rule. Well defined immune system quality which is present between each life phase may influence the type, generality and the degree of infections. At the same time, low nutrition to the body will decrease the immune function and expose the body to the danger of getting infected by infectious diseases. Different quantity of micronutrients is required for increasing the immunity power of our body. Generally the vitamins A,C,D,E,B2,B6,B12, iron, zinc and selenium.The deficiencies of micronutrients are acknowledged as a global health issue, and also low nutrition makes it prone to establishes the infections in the body.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andi Zhang ◽  
Tianyuan Zou ◽  
Dongye Guo ◽  
Quan Wang ◽  
Yilin Shen ◽  
...  

As a stressor widely existing in daily life, noise can cause great alterations to the immune system and result in many physical and mental disorders, including noise-induced deafness, sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases, endocrine diseases and other problems. The immune system plays a major role in maintaining homeostasis by recognizing and removing harmful substances in the body. Many studies have shown that noise may play vital roles in the occurrence and development of some immune diseases. In humans, both innate immunity and specific immunity can be influenced by noise, and different exposure durations and intensities of noise may exert various effects on the immune system. Short-term or low-intensity noise can enhance immune function, while long-term or high-intensity noise suppresses it. Noise can lead to the occurrence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) through the production of autoantibodies such as anti-Hsp70 and anti-Hsp60 and exert adverse effects related to other immune-related diseases such as some autoimmune diseases and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The neuroendocrine system, mainly including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system, is involved in the mechanisms of immune-related diseases induced by noise and gut microbiota dysfunction. In addition, noise exposure during pregnancy may be harmful to the immune system of the fetus. On the other hand, some studies have shown that music can improve immune function and alleviate the adverse effects caused by noise.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 536
Author(s):  
Heidi Haavik ◽  
Imran Khan Niazi ◽  
Nitika Kumari ◽  
Imran Amjad ◽  
Jenna Duehr ◽  
...  

The current COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the need to find healthcare solutions that boost or support immunity. There is some evidence that high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) controlled vertebral thrusts have the potential to modulate immune mediators. However, the mechanisms of the link between HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts and neuroimmune function and the associated potential clinical implications are less clear. This review aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that can explain the HVLA controlled vertebral thrust--neuroimmune link and discuss what this link implies for clinical practice and future research needs. A search for relevant articles published up until April 2021 was undertaken. Twenty-three published papers were found that explored the impact of HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts on neuroimmune markers, of which eighteen found a significant effect. These basic science studies show that HVLA controlled vertebral thrust influence the levels of immune mediators in the body, including neuropeptides, inflammatory markers, and endocrine markers. This narravtive review discusses the most likely mechanisms for how HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts could impact these immune markers. The mechanisms are most likely due to the known changes in proprioceptive processing that occur within the central nervous system (CNS), in particular within the prefrontal cortex, following HVLA spinal thrusts. The prefrontal cortex is involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the immune system. Bi-directional neuro-immune interactions are affected by emotional or pain-related stress. Stress-induced sympathetic nervous system activity also alters vertebral motor control. Therefore, there are biologically plausible direct and indirect mechanisms that link HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts to the immune system, suggesting HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts have the potential to modulate immune function. However, it is not yet known whether HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts have a clinically relevant impact on immunity. Further research is needed to explore the clinical impact of HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts on immune function.


2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 187
Author(s):  
Ariyanto Harsono

The immune function is designed to defendthe body in a safe and efficient way againsta variety of dangerous materials includingtoxins and infectious organisms. Mechanical andbiological barriers prevent the penetration ofexogenous material into the body. Only after thesebarriers have been breached and cells have beendirectly attacked does the immune system come intoplay. By a variety of mechanisms, certain immunecells can directly phagocytose and destroy manypathogens. They require the close cooperation ofsomatic cells, which both alert the immune systemthrough alarm signals and later participate in theeffector phase. This first alarm signal can be groupedtogether as “stress signals”, known as the innateimmune response.


2013 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip C. Calder

A well-functioning immune system is key to providing good defence against pathogenic organisms and to providing tolerance to non-threatening organisms, to food components and to self. The immune system works by providing an exclusion barrier, by identifying and eliminating pathogens and by identifying and tolerating non-threatening sources of antigens, and by maintaining a memory of immunological encounters. The immune system is complex involving many different cell types distributed throughout the body and many different chemical mediators some of which are involved directly in defence while others have a regulatory role. Babies are born with an immature immune system that fully develops in the first few years of life. Immune competence can decline with ageing. The sub-optimal immune competence that occurs early and late in life increases susceptibility to infection. Undernutrition decreases immune defences, making an individual more susceptible to infection. However, the immune response to an infection can itself impair nutritional status and alter body composition. Practically all forms of immunity are affected by protein–energy malnutrition, but non-specific defences and cell-mediated immunity are most severely affected. Micronutrient deficiencies impair immune function. Here, vitamins A, D and E, and Zn, Fe and Se are discussed. The gut-associated lymphoid tissue is especially important in health and well-being because of its close proximity to a large and diverse population of organisms in the gastrointestinal tract and its exposure to food constituents. Certain probiotic bacteria which modify the gut microbiota enhance immune function in laboratory animals and may do so in human subjects.


2000 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Kelly ◽  
A. G. P. Coutts

The present review will concentrate on the development of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue and the role of early nutrition in promoting immune function. The intestine is the largest immune organ in the body, and as such is the location for the majority of lymphocytes and other immune effector cells. The intestine is exposed to vast quantities of dietary and microbial antigens, and is the most common portal of entry for pathogens, some of which are potentially lethal. The development of normal immune function of the intestine is therefore vital for survival, and is dependent on appropriate antigen exposure and processing, and also an intact intestinal barrier. In early life innate mechanisms of defence are probably more important than active or adaptive mechanisms in responding to an infectious challenge, since the healthy neonate is immunologically naïve (has not seen antigen) and has not acquired immunological memory. During this period maternal colostrum and milk can significantly augment resistance to enteric infections. The mechanisms of enhancing disease resistance are thought to be passive, involving a direct supply of anti-microbial factors, and active, by promoting the development of specific immune function. A tolerance response to dietary and non-invasive antigens is generally induced in the gut. However, it must also be able to mount an adequate immune response to ensure clearance of foreign antigens. It is now recognized that regulation of tolerance and active immune responses is critical to health, and failure to regulate these responses can lead to recurrent infections, inflammatory diseases and allergies. The education of the immune system in early life is thought to be critical in minimizing the occurrence of these immune-based disorders. During this phase of development maternal milk provides signals to the immune system that generate appropriate response and memory. One factor that has been proposed to contribute to the increase in the incidence of immune-based disorders, e.g. atopic diseases in Western countries, is thought to be the increased prevalence of formula-feeding.


2021 ◽  
pp. 218-228
Author(s):  
V. V. Salukhov ◽  
E. A. Kovalevskaya

The world is in the grip of the pandemic of the new viral infection COVID-19. The number of patients around the world is not only not decreasing, but also progressively increasing. Treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 is a major global healthcare challenge. Effective and safe methods of treatment and prevention are urgently needed that can reduce the risk of infection, reduce the risk of developing the infectious process and mortality from this serious disease in addition to quarantine. Vitamin D is known for its classic role in maintaining bone mineral density. Currently, his contribution has been more and more studied. For example, the immune system is important, as well as adaptive immunity and regulation of the inflammatory cascade. In these reviews, the mechanisms of the effect of vitamin D on cellular and humoral immunity and direct antiviral defense of the body were discovered, and its potential modules – the role in vaccine immunogenicity. The data of observational and randomized clinical trials proving the positive effect of colecalciferol on the frequency and severity of seasonal viral respiratory diseases are presented. The mechanism of penetration and development of coronavirus in the human body, changes in the immune system and humoral factors of the body’s defense against the background of the course of SARS-CoV-2. Coronavirus and more severe course is an infectious process depending on age and associated diseases. In this article, we analyze and summarize the data of modern studies, in which it is proved that the level of vitamin D in the blood has a beneficial effect on the content of vitamins D in the body’s immune and antiviral defense and its role in reducing the risk of infection and the severity of pathological diseases, including COVID-19. Discussion of the doses and regimens of vitamin D therapy against viral infections, including COVID-19, is based on the experience of previous and ongoing studies and guidelines.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 832-838
Author(s):  
Roshna Sukheoji Bhutada ◽  
Renu Rathi ◽  
Devyani Dasar

WHO declared Covid 19 /SARS -COV-2 as a global pandemic.Till date, there is no medicine for COVID-19. If the Infection arises in the body then the defence mechanism activated against infection. A recent study suggests that temporarily augmenting the body's immune system in the early stages of COVID-19 can help patient to avoid severe symptoms as it is rightly said prevention is better than cure. Ayurveda approaches to develop physiological reactions to facilitate immunity. Planning of diet is most important to boost immunity.As per many researches to provide supplementary food which contains Zinc, Vitamin C,Vitamin D and immunity boosting foodsuch as citrus natural products, custard apple, apple, papaya is among the Fruits. Vegetables include broccoli, onion, garlic and green leafy vegetables. Nuts, ginger, turmeric, pepper, egg yolk, shellfish, mushroom. The need of the hour is a quick boost to immune system to keep it fit, fighting. One should get the right amount of nutrients from the diet, supplementation regimen to boost immune system.In this review, there are few common supplements and super food studies have been included. It might be a torch bearer as sample menu and their alternatives are given for a normal adult. Needy may change contemplated according to age, sex, body mass index and daily physical activities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 716-722
Author(s):  
Sneha Dhakite ◽  
Sadhana Misar Wajpeyi

The “Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)” is caused by “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”, a newly discovered member of the Coronaviridae family of viruses which is a highly communicable. There is no effective medical treatment till date for Coronavirus disease hence prevention is the best way to keep disease away. Rasayana proved to be highly efficacious and cost effective for the Prevention and Control of viral infections when vaccines and standard therapies are lacking. Rasayana Chikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda which helps to maintain healthy life style. Rasayana improves immunity and performs many vital functions of human body. Vyadhikshamatva that is immune mechanism of the body is involved in Prevention of the occurrence of a new disease and it also decreases the virulence and progression of an existing disease. In COVID-19 the Respiratory system mainly get affected which is evident from its symptoms like cold, cough and breathlessness. Here the drugs help in enhancing immune system and strengthening functions of Respiratory system can be useful. For this purpose, the Rasayana like Chyavanprasha, Agastya Haritaki, Pippali Rasayana, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, Haridra, Ashwagandha, Tulsi are used. Rasayana working on Respiratory system are best for Prevention of Coronavirus and boosting immune system. Rasayana Chikitsa can be effective in the Prevention as well as reducing symptoms of COVID-19.


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