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This study attempted to define the possible contribution of zinc nutrition to immunocompetence and growth in severely malnourished infants. The effect of zinc supplementation was evaluated in marasmic infants during nutritional rehabilitation by using a controlled double-blind design in which 19 infants fed a zinc-fortified formula were compared with 20 infants fed the same nonsupplemented formula. Evaluation of immunocompetence, growth, and zinc, copper, and iron status was performed on admission and at 30, 60, and 105 d of nutritional rehabilitation. Although energy intake was similar in both groups, the zinc-supplemented infants had significantly higher linear growth gain, and their immune function improved as demonstrated by conversion of their delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions, enhanced lymphoproliferative response to PHA, and increased salivary IgA concentrations. Thus, the use of a zinc-fortified formula during nutritional rehabilitation can prevent the development of zinc deficiency and improve growth and immune function.

Children need to receive good nutrition in order to develop healthy, effective immune systems. Sources of vitamins A, B, C and E, and minerals are described. A low-fat diet is recommended, along with exercise and good overall health habits.

Fearing he is losing the battle against AIDS, a desperate young man sits on a plane bound for Israel-and, he hopes, a new life. For several months he has fought [...]

Beta-carotene is an important nutrient; it is the form of vitamin A that is present in fruits and vegetables. In the body, beta-carotene can be transported in the blood, stored in tissues, or converted to retinol, the other form of vitamin A. Recent studies have suggested that beta-carotene may be beneficial in preventing cancer and in stimulating the immune system to fight infection. These effects of beta-carotene are believed to be independent of the conversion of beta-carotene to retinol. The effects of beta-carotene supplements on immune system function were evaluated in 20 healthy, older adults with an average age of 56 years (10 men and 10 women). Beta-carotene supplements, 30 milligrams/day for two months, resulted in a substantial increase in the percentage of cells with surface markers for natural killer cells and T-helper cells, as well as cells with interleukin-2 receptors (cells of the immune system required for killing invading organisms and stimulating antibody production). At the same time, the number of T-suppressor cells (cells that suppress the immune system) did not change. Plasma levels of beta-carotene were elevated, while plasma levels of retinol did not change. This indicates that the stimulatory effect of beta-carotene on the immune system does not involve conversion of beta-carotene to retinol. It is concluded that beta-carotene has properties that stimulate the immune system in humans, which may have potential in the prevention of cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

A significant portion of the elderly who do not live in institutions have been observed to be at risk for deficiencies of certain nutrients. Immune functions appear to be affected by deficiencies of specific nutrients such as proteins, or by lack of sufficient calories. Defective immune function in the elderly has been implicated in some of the diseases and infections to which the elderly are susceptible. However, the association between immune function, dietary status, and resistance to disease in the aged has not been well studied. The immune status of 82 free-living elderly persons was evaluated in relation to their nutritional status. For most of the subjects, nutrient intake was above two-thirds the recommended levels, with many having more than adequate intake due to the use of supplements. However, many had inadequate zinc intake, with 19 percent having low blood zinc levels. In addition, study subjects had a somewhat low calorie intake. Two measures of immune function were used, and these were associated with resistance to cancer and regulation of immune response. The first, determination of the cytolytic (cell-destroying) activity of NK (natural killer) cells, a type of white blood cell, was highly variable and not associated with blood levels or intake of any particular nutrient. The second test measured activity of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a protein made by a type of white blood cell, and this was undetectable in 69 percent of subjects. Among those with IL-2 activity, levels were one-third that of young adults. Although not related to blood levels of nutrients, IL-2 activity decreased as intake of vitamin E and D increased in men, and as vitamin E intake increased in women. IL-2 activity was likely to be higher among men than women with the same vitamin D and E intake. Further research is needed to delineate the relationship between nutrition and immune function in the elderly. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Getting Started On every doorknob, in every bathroom sink, and around every corner lurks a multitude of enemies: infection-causing germs. Introduce your study of these invaders with a fun and [...]

Cold and flu season is like a game of roulette: You never know when your number is up. But it doesn't have to be a game of chance. By learning […]

The Impaired Immune System This CE activity is approved by EMS World Magazine, an organization accredited by the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS) for 1 CEU. [...]

The Impaired Immune System We are constantly exposed to infectious materials that attack our body. For most of us, our immune systems are prepared to fend off these attacks with [...]

The Impaired Immune System We are constantly exposed to infectious materials that attack our body. For most of us, our immune systems are prepared to fend off these attacks with [...]

The Impaired Immune System We are constantly exposed to infectious materials that attack our body. For most of us, our immune systems are prepared to fend off these attacks with [...]

The Impaired Immune System We are constantly exposed to infectious materials that attack our body. For most of us, our immune systems are prepared to fend off these attacks with [...]

Keeping one's body mass index below 25, getting ample sleep, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, frequent exercise, frequent hand-washing, and zinc supplements are among 10 hints that help raise immunologic health.

Your body's gene activity and immunity change with the seasons, according to a study of more than 16,000 people. During the winter, the immune system revs up inflammation, resulting in [...]

Glutathione is a critical antioxidant in human metabolism. Therefore, it is critical that glutathione levels in the body are adequate to combat oxidative stress and chemical exposures. A clinical trial using Tri-Fortify[TM] liposomal glutathione showed efficacy in raising reduced glutathione levels (GSH) along with natural killer cell function while also decreasing oxidative stress markers: Background/Objectives: Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant endogenous antioxidant and a critical regulator of oxidative stress. Maintenance of optimal tissues for GSH levels may be an important strategy for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases. We investigated if oral administration of liposomal GSH is effective at enhancing GSH levels in vivo. Subjects/Methods: A one-month pilot clinical study of oral liposomal GSH administration at two doses (500 and 1000 mg of GSH per day) was conducted in healthy adults. GSH levels in whole blood, erythrocytes, plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were assessed in 12 subjects at the baseline and after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of GSH administration. Results: GSH levels were elevated after one week with maximum increases of 40% in whole blood, 25% in erythrocytes, 28% in plasma and 100% in PBMCs occurring after two weeks (P Conclusions: Collectively, these preliminary findings support the effectiveness of daily liposomal GSH administration at elevating stores of GSH and impacting the immune function and levels of oxidative stress., Sinha R, et al. Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 30 August [...]

Germs are getting stronger every day. Fight them off by boosting your immunity in five steps. WE ARE AWASH IN A SEA OF GERMS. Tens of thousands of different bacteria [...]