THE IMPORTANCE OF
IMMUNO-NUTRITION

Much emphasis has been placed on understanding immune systems, particularly "compromised" ones, which are more susceptible to infections and diseases. Delving deeper, a compromised immune system might be inherently weaker or weakened by external factors, making the body more vulnerable to pathogens. Understanding and bolstering our immune system is vital, given its crucial role in fighting off diseases and maintaining overall health.

Immunity, however, does not operate in isolation. Multiple lifestyle factors including sleep, stress management, dietary patterns, and digestive health influence immune functionality. Integrating a nutrient-dense approach with balanced lifestyle practices supports optimal immune health.

Immuno-nutrition is a subject that marries the intricacies of the immune system with nutritional science, elucidating how specific nutrients can pivotally modulate immune responses. Here, we spotlight select nutrients that have been shown to support immune functionality.

The Link Between the Immune System and Nutrients

The roles of vitamins A, C, and D, zinc, selenium, and other nutrients have been extensively studied for their indispensable functions in both innate and adaptive immunity.¹ Each of these components, from ensuring barrier integrity, modulating inflammatory responses, to fostering cellular immunity, plays a multifaceted role in safeguarding our health against pathogenic adversaries.

Vitamins A, C and D

Vitamin A, crucial for the proliferation and differentiation of immunocompetent cells, supports the function of the innate immune system, safeguarding primary defenses. As well as being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C has demonstrated roles in supporting respiratory defenses, and potentially modulating lymphocyte functions.² Moreover, vitamin D, a modulator of both innate and adaptive immune responses, orchestrates immunological homeostasis by regulating inflammatory cytokine production and ensuring the integrity of epithelial barriers.^1,2

Microelements: Small but Mighty

Zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese, although required in minute quantities, have significant impact on immune function. For instance, zinc’s modulation of T cells, especially vital in elderly populations commonly deficient in this mineral, is vital in the immune response.³ Selenium, on the other hand, interfaces primarily with cell-mediated immunity and studies show a direct correlation between its deficiency and infection susceptibility.⁴

Immunomodulators

Beyond classic vitamins and microelements, a range of other compounds including N-acetylcysteine (NAC), elderberry extract, green tea (particularly its component EGCG), astragalus, and quercetin have immunomodulatory effects, as demonstrated in numerous studies. From antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial effects to supporting healthy cytokine production and cellular immunity, these compounds play an integral role in the support of the immune system.^5,6

Spotlight: Immune Support Packs

Combining tested nutrients that support immune health, Biotics Research has formulated Immune Support Packs, blending essential vitamins, microelements, and potent immunomodulators, targeted to support the immune system. Including elderberry, green tea extracts, astragalus, quercetin, and more, each convenient packet supports various physiological pathways to bolster immunity.

References:

1. Vitamin effects on the immune system: vitamins A and D take center stage. Mora, JR, Iwata M, von Andrian UH. Nat Rev Immunol. 2008;8(9):685-698)
2. Immune-boosting role of vitamins D, C, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids. Could they help against Covid-19? Hira Shakoor, Jack Feehan, Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri, Habiba I. Ali, Carine Platat, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Vasso Apostolopoulos and Lily Stojanovska. Maturitas. 2021 Jan;143:1-9.)
3. Zinc and respiratory tract infections: Perspectives for COVID-19 (Review). Anatoly V Skalny, Lothar Rink, Olga P Ajsuvakova, Michael Aschner, Viktor A Gritsenko, Svetlana I Alekseenko, Andrey A Svistunov, Demetrios Petrakis, Demetrios A Spandidos, Jan Aaseth, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Alexey A Tinkov. Int J Mol Med. 2020 July;46(1):17-26.)
4. The influence of selenium on immune responses. Peter R Hoffmann and Maria J. Berry. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008 Nov;51(11):1273-1280.
5. De Flora, C Grassi, L Carati. Attenuation of influenze-like symptomatology and improvement of cellmediated immunity with long-term N-acetylcysteine treatment. Eur Respir J. 1997 Jul;10(7):1535-41.
6. Julia Wermig-Morgan. Elderberry is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and modulates the immune system: anti-bacterial, anti-viral and immunomodulatory non-clinical (in-vitro) effects of elderberry fruits and flowers (Sambucus nigra): a systematic review. Research Gate. November 2020. Thesis for MSc in Evidence-Based Health Medicine, University of Oxford.