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Immunity Boost

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    What is the most important vitamins and Minerals to boost your immune system ?

    Aug 17, 2020

    Immunity Boost

    Do you know that vitamins and minerals are the best immunity booster?

    Vitamins and minerals are very important for the normal functioning of the body. although They are required in minute quantities but are pivotal for normal growth and functioning of the body.
     
    Nutrition is a crucial factor in maintaining immune homeostasis. The deficiency of one or more micronutrients may impair one’s immune responses [1]. The demand for several nutrients is increased during Infection so maintaining a healthy immune system decrease the chances and duration of infection [2]. 

    Vitamin A and D increase the humoral immunity of pediatrics following influenza vaccination [3]. High dose zinc supplements also increase immunity in patients with torquetenovirus (TTV) [4]. 

    the most important vitamins and Minerals to your immune system!

     

    Vitamin C
    Vitamin C is so essential for your body health, it is a strong antioxidant which support your immune system. Research shows that using vitamin C can improve your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. This supports the body’s natural defenses fight infection. 
     
    Vitamin A
    Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It helps in maintaining vision, promoting growth, and protecting mucosal integrity in the body. It has a regulatory function in both cellular and humoral immune response [5].
    A dozen clinical trials show that vitamin A reduces severe morbidity and mortality in Vitamin A deficient children [6].
     
    Vitamin D 
    Vitamin D, also a fat-soluble vitamin, helps in modulating both innate and adaptive immunity. It is synthesized in the skin after sun exposure. 
    Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an increased risk of multiple sclerosis [7] and type 1 diabetes mellitus [8]. Although, further confirmation is required. 
    The biological active form of Vitamin D is 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25(OH)2 D). Upon interaction with a pathogen, monocytes synthesize the production of D (1,25(OH)2 D), through specialized immune receptors; Toll-like receptors. This stimulates autophagy and results in the production of antimicrobials [9].
     
    Vitamin E
    Vitamin E acts as a free radical scavenger and terminates the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Peroxyl radicals react with alpha-tocopherol instead of lipid hydroperoxide, the chain reaction producing peroxyl radicals stops and oxidation of PUFAs stops [10].
    The major dietary sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils and nuts. Soybean oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, and cottonseed oil are also a good source of Vitamin E [11].
    In humans, many studies showed increased lymphocyte, enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, increased production of interleukin-2 and decreased production of interleukin-6 with vitamin E supplementation above the recommended levels [12].
     
    Zinc 
    Zinc is an important mineral that is essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of the immune system [13].
    Zinc deficiency is associated with increase susceptibility to viral infections, such as HIV and HCV [14].
    A study among 103 children with pneumonia showed significant improvement in symptoms (duration of illness and respiratory rate) in the zinc supplemented group compared to the placebo group [15].  
    Another study shows that zinc supplementation decreases the duration of the common cold by 33%. Supplementation should be started within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms [16].
     
    Niacin
    Niacin (nicotinic acid), an amide of vitamin B3, is required for the synthesis of coenzymes; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).
    NAD is associated with the production of cytokines including Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), IL-6, and IL-1. Therefore, it has an anti-inflammatory effect [17].  
    Vitamins and minerals are very important in maintaining health. An optimum amount of these is required for normal development and functioning of the body. Vitamins and minerals help in fighting different diseases and infections and hence they are the best immunity booster. 
     
    References
    1. Bhaskaram, P.J.B.J.o.N., Immunobiology of mild micronutrient deficiencies. 2001. 85(S2): p. S75-S80.
    2. Rytter, M.J.H., et al., The immune system in children with malnutrition—a systematic review. 2014. 9(8): p. e105017.
    3. Patel, N., et al., Baseline serum vitamin A and D levels determine benefit of oral vitamin A&D supplements to humoral immune responses following pediatric influenza vaccination. 2019. 11(10): p. 907.
    4. Iovino, L., et al., High-dose zinc oral supplementation after stem cell transplantation causes an increase of TRECs and CD4+ naive lymphocytes and prevents TTV reactivation. 2018. 70: p. 20-24.
    5. Huang, Z., et al., Role of vitamin A in the immune system. 2018. 7(9): p. 258.
    6. Semba, R.D.J.C.I.D., Vitamin A, immunity, and infection. 1994. 19(3): p. 489-499.
    7. Munger, K.L., et al., Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and risk of multiple sclerosis. 2006. 296(23): p. 2832-2838.
    8. Munger, K.L., et al., Preclinical serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and risk of type 1 diabetes in a cohort of US military personnel. 2013. 177(5): p. 411-419.
    9. Hewison, M.J.N.R.E., Antibacterial effects of vitamin D. 2011. 7(6): p. 337-345.
    10. Traber, M.G.J.A.R.N., Vitamin E regulatory mechanisms. 2007. 27: p. 347-362.
    11. Sheppard, A.J.V.E.i.h. and disease, Analysis and distribution of vitamin E in vegetable oils and foods. 1993.
    12. Lee, G.Y. and S.N.J.N. Han, The role of vitamin E in immunity. 2018. 10(11): p. 1614.
    13. Lindenmayer, G.W., R.J. Stoltzfus, and A.J.J.A.i.n. Prendergast, Interactions between zinc deficiency and environmental enteropathy in developing countries. 2014. 5(1): p. 1-6.
    14. Read, S.A., et al., The role of zinc in antiviral immunity. 2019. 10(4): p. 696-710.
    15. Acevedo-Murillo, J.A., et al., Zinc supplementation promotes a Th1 response and improves clinical symptoms in less hours in children with pneumonia younger than 5 years old. A randomized controlled clinical trial. 2019. 7: p. 431.
    16. Rondanelli, M., et al., Self-care for common colds: the pivotal role of vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea in three main immune interactive clusters (physical barriers, innate and adaptive immunity) involved during an episode of common colds—practical advice on dosages and on the time to take these nutrients/botanicals in order to prevent or treat common colds. 2018. 2018.
    17. Spinas, E., et al., Crosstalk between vitamin B and immunity. 2015. 29(2): p. 283-288.

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