16 January 2020 | Adrian F. Gombart, Adeline Pierre and Silvia Maggini
This review discusses the role of micronutrients in supporting immune function and reducing the risk of infection. Micronutrients such as vitamins A, D, C, E, B6, B12, folate, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. These nutrients play vital, often synergistic roles at every stage of the immune response, including the maintenance of physical barriers, the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses, and the regulation of immune cell functions. Adequate intake of these micronutrients is essential to ensure the proper function of immune cells and physical barriers, although daily intakes necessary to support immune function may be higher than current recommended dietary allowances.
Micronutrient deficiencies can impair immune function and increase the risk of infection, particularly in certain populations with inadequate dietary intakes or increased requirements due to factors such as infection, stress, or pollution. While some data suggest that supplementation with multiple micronutrients may modulate immune function and reduce the risk of infection, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosages and combinations for different populations. The strongest evidence for immune support comes from vitamins C and D and zinc. The review highlights the importance of adequate micronutrient intake for immune function and the potential benefits of supplementation in reducing the risk of infection. It also discusses the impact of various factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and health conditions, on micronutrient status and immune function. The review concludes that further research is needed to better understand the role of micronutrients in immune function and to develop effective strategies for their supplementation to reduce the risk of infection.This review discusses the role of micronutrients in supporting immune function and reducing the risk of infection. Micronutrients such as vitamins A, D, C, E, B6, B12, folate, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. These nutrients play vital, often synergistic roles at every stage of the immune response, including the maintenance of physical barriers, the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses, and the regulation of immune cell functions. Adequate intake of these micronutrients is essential to ensure the proper function of immune cells and physical barriers, although daily intakes necessary to support immune function may be higher than current recommended dietary allowances.
Micronutrient deficiencies can impair immune function and increase the risk of infection, particularly in certain populations with inadequate dietary intakes or increased requirements due to factors such as infection, stress, or pollution. While some data suggest that supplementation with multiple micronutrients may modulate immune function and reduce the risk of infection, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosages and combinations for different populations. The strongest evidence for immune support comes from vitamins C and D and zinc. The review highlights the importance of adequate micronutrient intake for immune function and the potential benefits of supplementation in reducing the risk of infection. It also discusses the impact of various factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and health conditions, on micronutrient status and immune function. The review concludes that further research is needed to better understand the role of micronutrients in immune function and to develop effective strategies for their supplementation to reduce the risk of infection.