Essential Minerals and Metabolic Adaptation of Immune Cells

Abstract

Modern lifestyles deviated considerably from the ancestral routines towards major shifts in diets and increased sedentarism. The trace elements status of the human body is no longer adequately supported by micronutrient-inferior farmed meats and crop commodities produced by the existing agricultural food systems. This is particular evident in the increased obesogenic adipogenesis and low-grade inflammation that fails to resolve with time. The metabolically restrictive environment of the inflamed tissues drives activation and proliferation of transient and resident populations of immune cells in favor of pro-inflammatory phenotypes, as well as a part of the enhanced autoimmune response. As different stages of the immune activation and resolution depend on the availability of specific minerals to maintain the structural integrity of skin and mucus membranes, activation and migration of immune cells, activation of the complement system, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, this review discusses recent advances in our understanding of the contribution of select minerals in optimizing the responses of innate and adaptive immune outcomes. An abbreviated view on the absorption, transport, and delivery of minerals to the body tissues as related to metabolic adaptation is considered.

Biomarkers of Metabolic Adaptation to High Dietary Fats in a Mouse Model of Obesity Resistance

“…Previously, anemia has been associated with increased fat accumulation [ 34 ], and mild iron deficiency has adversely affected lipid metabolism in rats [ 35 ]. Iron inadequacy is one of the four most common deficiencies around the world due to a variety of dietary, agricultural, and gastrointestinal factors [ 36 ]. As the mitochondria are major hubs of iron utilization and accumulation [ 37 ], it is very plausible that iron inadequacy, directly (low iron) or indirectly (inability to effectively transport iron into the mitochondria), may contribute to the development of obese phenotypes.…”

Immunomodulation through Nutrition Should Be a Key Trend in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

“…Boiling is a better choice for cooking vegetables if folic acid intake is taken into account, provided that the cooking water is drunk along with the vegetables [102]. Human levels of vitamins and trace minerals are no longer adequately supported by low-micronutrient-cultured meats and plant-based products produced within existing agricultural food systems [103]. Unfortunately, the need for additional supplementation is underestimated by clinicians who are not aware of the changes that have occurred in food over the past decades.…”

Current Status and Nutritional Value of Green Leaf Protein

“…Green leaf concentrates (green crude preparation with approx. 50% protein content) are a good source of vitamins such as β-carotene (provitamin A), B6, B12, E, and K as well as several micronutrients including iron, calcium, and magnesium [ 43 ] that are regarded as common mineral inadequacies in modern diets [ 114 ]. In contrast to edible seeds enriched with omega 6 fatty acids, green leaves accumulate more omega 3 fatty acids including α-linolenic acid, a major precursor to the EPA and DHA metabolites [ 115 ].…”