Nutrition to Support Immune System Health

7 Key Nutrients to Support Immune Health:

Protein is needed for the building of antibodies and immune system cells.  Also, some of the amino acids that make up proteins are important fuels for cells in the immune system.

• Vitamin A helps regulate the immune system and protect the body by keeping skin and tissues in the mouth, stomach, intestines and respiratory system healthy.
• Vitamin C helps the body build healthy skin and connective tissue, which helps to block the entry of foreign microbes.  Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that protects cells (e.g., cells of the immune system) from damage caused by free radicals.
• Vitamin E works as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from damage due to free radicals.   Healthy cell membranes help keep foreign microbes out.
• Vitamin D helps to activate immune cells and properly regulate their function. 
• Zinc is needed for wound healing and for cellular reproduction, which is important in the synthesis of new immune system cells.
• Fluids and Electrolytes:  Consuming adequate fluids (water) and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride help regulate the body’s temperature.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that sick people need to drink extra fluids to keep from dehydrating.

People who are at the highest risk for compromised immune health are those who do not get adequate amounts of food in their diets, do not have access to foods with key nutrients, are malnourished, or have certain health conditions that may require additional nutrition support.

Sometimes it’s hard to get enough of all the immune system supporting nutrients you need from your diet alone. Drinking an oral nutrition shake like Ensure or Glucerna is a convenient way to help supplement your diet. Look for shakes that contain the key nutrients protein, vitamin A, antioxidants, zinc and vitamin D.

Your diet is an important part of maintaining good health. So, follow a balanced diet, ensure you stay hydrated with adequate fluids and electrolytes. Fill each plate with produce, lean meats, dairy and healthy fats — this can help you get the nutrition you need to help keep your immune system strong.  

References:

1. Bresnahan KA et al. Undernutrition, the Acute Phase Response to Infection, and Its Effects on Micronutrient Status Indicators. Adv Nutr 2014(5):702-711.
2. Maggini S et al.  Vitamins C, D, and zinc: synergistic roles in immune function and infections.  Vitam Miner 2017;6:3.
3. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  Protect Your Health Through Immune Boosting Nutrition.  https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/preventing-illness/protect-your-health-with-immune-boosting-nutrition
4. Buettner GR. The pecking order of free radicals and antioxidants: lipid peroxidation, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbate. Arch Biochem Biophys 1993; 300(2):535-543.
5. Grimble RF. Nutritional modulation of immune function. Proc Nutr Soc 2001;60:289-297.
6. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC, National Academy Press;2000.
7. Maggini S, et al. Selected vitamins and trace minerals support immune function by strengthening epithelial barriers and cellular and humoral immune responses. Br J Nutr 2007; 98(Suppl 1):S29-S35.
8. Meydani SN, et al. Vitamin E and respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents. JAMA 2004;292:828-836.
9. Roebothan BV and Chandra RK. Relationship between nutritional status and immune function of elderly people. Age and Ageing 1994;23:49-53.
10. Shi Z, et al. Clinical study on perioperative enteral nutrition for patients with colorectal cancer. J Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition. 2014; 21: 217-221.   
11.  Bresnahan KA et al. Undernutrition, the Acute Phase Response to Infection,  and Its Effects on Micronutrient Status Indicators. Adv Nutr 2014(5):702-711.
12. Maggini S et al.  Vitamins C, D, and zinc: synergistic roles in immune function and infections.  Vitam Miner 2017;6:3.
13. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  Protect Your Health Through Immune Boosting Nutrition.  https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/preventing-illness/protect-your-health-with-immune-boosting-nutrition
14. Buettner GR. The pecking order of free radicals and antioxidants: lipid peroxidation, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbate. Arch Biochem Biophys 1993; 300(2):535-543.
15. Grimble RF. Nutritional modulation of immune function. Proc Nutr Soc 2001;60:289-297.
16. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC, National Academy Press;2000.
17. Maggini S, et al. Selected vitamins and trace minerals support immune function by strengthening epithelial barriers and cellular and humoral immune responses. Br J Nutr 2007; 98(Suppl 1):S29-S35.
18. Meydani SN, et al. Vitamin E and respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents. JAMA 2004;292:828-836.
19. Roebothan BV and Chandra RK. Relationship between nutritional status and immune function of elderly people. Age and Ageing 1994;23:49-53.
20. Shi Z, et al. Clinical study on perioperative enteral nutrition for patients with colorectal cancer. Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition. 2014; 21: 217-221.