The Role of Vitamins and Minerals on the Immune System

Abstract

It has long been recognized that individuals living in poverty who suffer from malnutrition are more susceptible to infections and certain diseases due to deficiencies in macronutrients such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. More recently, it has come to light that micronutrients such as several vitamins and minerals also play major roles in boosting the immune system to protect against certain infections, inflammation, and possibly some cancers. This article discusses the various immune boosting properties of several micronutrients.

A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System–Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection

“…Iron Involved in regulation of cytokine production and action [3]; required for generation of pathogen-killing ROS by neutrophils during oxidative burst [7] Copper Accumulates at sites of inflammation [7,35]; part of copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase, a key enzyme in defense against ROS [8]; free-radical scavenger [58]; changes in copper homeostasis a crucial component of respiratory burst [8]; important for IL-2 production and response [7,35]; maintains intracellular antioxidant balance, suggesting important role in inflammatory response [8] Selenium Essential for function of selenoproteins that act as redox regulators and cellular antioxidants, potentially counteracting ROS produced during oxidative stress [2] Magnesium Can help to protect DNA against oxidative damage [37]; high concentrations reduce superoxide anion production [59] Differentiation, proliferation and normal functioning of T cells Vitamin A Involved in development and differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells [60]; enhances TGF-β-dependent conversion of naïve T cells into regulatory T cells [8]; plays a role in acquisition of mucosal-homing properties by T and B cells [8] Vitamin D Homing of T cells to the skin [61]; calcitriol inhibits T-cell proliferation [7]; inhibitory effects mainly in adaptive immunity (e.g., Th1-cell activity) [7]; stimulatory effects in innate immunity [7]; inhibits the effector functions of T helper cells and cytotoxic T cells [27,62], but promotes the production of Tregs [27,62,63]; inhibitory effect on the differentiation and maturation of the antigen-presenting DCs, and helps program DCs for tolerance [27,[64][65][66] Vitamin C Roles in production, differentiation, and proliferation of T cells, particularly cytotoxic T cells [3,21] Vitamin E Enhances lymphocyte proliferation and T-cell-mediated functions [3]; optimizes and enhances Th1 response [3] Vitamin B6 Involved in lymphocyt...…”

“…Through the Fenton reaction, H 2 O 2 oxidizes ferrous iron to generate highly reactive OH − [89]. Through a Fenton-like reaction, copper can also catalyze the formation of ROS and is thus used to kill pathogens [8,90], while it also acts as a free-radical scavenger [58]. Magnesium helps to protect DNA against oxidative damage and is involved in the regulation of apoptosis [37].…”

“…The body requires optimal levels of micronutrients for effective immune function, with different requirements throughout every stage of life [2]. It is well established that overt (clinical) micronutrient deficiencies adversely affect the immune system and predispose individuals to infections [58,[106][107][108] ( Table 2). For example, micronutrient deficiency is known to increase the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with measles, pneumonia, and diarrheal disease [58,[109][110][111]-all common infections encountered worldwide and among the leading causes of death [112].…”

Foliar applied zinc increases yield, zinc concentration, and germination in wheat genotypes

“…Micronutrients have vital roles in the human health and the immune system that are independent of the life stage. Essential micronutrients include vitamins and mineral compounds such as fluoride, selenium, sodium, iodine, copper, and zinc (Zn; Alpert, 2017; Black, 2003). An inadequate intake of micronutrients affects the human immune system which then reduces our resistance to diseases.…”

A randomized observational analysis examining the correlation between patients’ food sensitivities, micronutrient deficiencies, oxidative stress response and immune redox status

“…Lacking adequate nutrition, the immune system is clearly deprived of the components needed to generate an effective immune response. Various micronutrients are essential for immune competence, particularly vitamins A, C, D, E, B2, B6, and B12, folic acid, iron, selenium, and zinc [1], [2], [3], [4]. For example, vitamin A deficiency impairs mucosal barriers and diminishes the function of neutrophils, macrophages, and NK cells [5].…”