Nutritional Status Predicts Primary Subclasses of T Cells and the Lymphocyte Proliferation Response in Healthy Older Women

Abstract

Aging is often associated with a dysregulation in immune function, particularly in T-cell responses, even in the healthy elderly. Adequate nutrition is important for optimal immune function. The literature on the relation of nutritional status with immune function in the elderly offers mixed findings. Because several nutrients can influence immune response, and there are interactions among nutrients, examining the association of various nutrients measured simultaneously with tests of immune function is important. We examined the association of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B-12, and folic acid with tests of acquired immunity in healthy older women (76.7 +/- 7.0 y; n = 130). Discriminant analysis was used to identify the predictive subset of nutrients that could correctly classify subjects into the lowest or highest quartiles (< or =25th or >75th percentile) on various immune function tests (T cells and subsets and lymphocyte proliferation in response to culture with mitogens). Protein and iron status variables were identified in the predictive subset for all immune tests; in addition, zinc emerged in the predictive model for T cells and their subsets as well as for the proliferation response to concanavalin A. The probability of correctly classifying women into the lowest or highest quartiles of immune tests by the predictive subset of nutrition variables was high, i.e., 62.8-83.5% for T cells and their subsets, and 79.3-89.7% for the proliferation response to mitogens. In conclusion, protein, iron, and zinc were significant predictors of immune function in older women. Adequate status of these nutrients may help maintain immunity in older adults.

Influence of Body Mass Index and Antibiotic Dose on the Risk of Surgical Site Infections in Pediatric Clean Orthopedic Surgery

“…One hypothesis to explain this finding is that children who are underweight, according to their BMI, often are malnourished. Additionally, underweight children may not have the immunologic reserve to defend against an infection because of their poor nutritional status, as poor nutritional status has been suggested to contribute to decreased lymphocyte function [18,19]. Furthermore, good nutritional status is crucial for wound healing, which could contribute to this association and has been demonstrated in other studies [20,21].…”

Immunological outcomes of exercise in older adults

“…In fact, some of the commonly reported age-associated changes of immune response such as lymphocyte proliferation are not observed to the same extent in well nourished individuals (Molls et al 2005). The elderly often do not consume enough of both macro- (carbohydrates, protein) and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins) (Amati et al 2003; Ahluwahlia 2004).…”

Association of micronutrient status with subclinical health complaints in lactovegetarian adults

“…Low serum micronutrient concentrations in disabled older women were found to be an independent risk factor for frailty, and the risk of frailty increased with the number of micronutrient deficiencies (34). Zinc has been found to be one of the significant predictors of immune function in older women (35).…”