Immune system vitamins role

Immune system regulation It has been suggested that vitamin B plays an important role in immune system regulation, but the details are still obscure. 

Deficiency syndromes of Zn, Cu, Cr, Se and Mo have occurred in patients on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). There is still much research to be done in assessing the nutritional status of many elements and understanding their metabolism, so that normal dietary intake may be supplemented for health benefits. Table 2 is a summary of the amounts required, the functions and the nutritional (usually dietary) imbalances in humans, where known, of the essential trace elements.31-33 (Note that this summary does not attempt to include imbalances related to environmental toxicology and occupational hazards.) Several trace elements have important functions in the immune system. Some are associated with nucleic acid. Others have structural roles, such as Si in cartilage, F and Zn in bone. They may be parts of vitamins, such as Co in vitamin B12, or hormones, such as iodine in thyroid hormones, Zn and Cr have a role in the synthesis and action of insulin.31-33... 

In conclusion, the relationship between vitamin D, through its hormonally active form l,25(OH)2D3 and the hematopoietic system and consequently the immune system has been unequivocally established. However, much work remains to be done in order to establish the exact role played by l,25(OH)2D3 in vivo and its relevance to the treatment of related pathological states. 

As noted previously, Zn has an important role in numerous critical biochemical processes, including immunity. In addition to the positive effects of Zn supplementation, various antioxidant vitamins have been shown to stimulate the immune system. Thus, supplementation of elderly individuals with a combination of vitamins A, C, and E showed significant improvement in the following cell-mediated responses (P12) (a) increased total number of circulating T-cells (b) increased the number of helper (CD4+) T-cells (c) increased helper-to-cytotoxic cell ratio (CD4+ to CD8+) and (d) increased total number of lymphocytes in response to phytohemagglutinin. Others (M12), in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of an elderly group supplemented with vitamin E, demonstrated (a) increased... 

In experimental animals, vitamin E deficiency depresses immune system function, with reduced mitogenesis of B and T lymphocytes, reduced phagocytosis and chemotaxis, and reduced production of antibodies and interleukin-2. This suggests a signaling role in the immune system (Moriguchi and Muraga, 2000). 

Although vitamin A is required for normal immune function, a role for p-carotene in enhancing immune system function other than as a source of vitamin A has not been identified. ... 

In its second role, in the regulation of cellular differentiation, vitamin A is involved in the formation and protection of epithelial tissues and mucous membranes. In this way it has particular importance in growth, reproduction and immune response. Vitamin A is important in the resistance to disease and promotion of healing through its effect on the immune system and epithelial integrity. In addition, it acts, along with vitamins E and C and 3-carotene, as a scavenger of free radicals (see Box 5.2, p. 83). 

Vitamin E also plays an important role in the development and function of the immune system. In recognition of this the National Research Council requirements for dairy cows have been increased to reduce the incidence of mastitis. In studies with several species, supplementation of diets with the vitamin provided some protection against infection with pathogenic organisms. 

Vitamin E and selenium have roles in the immune system and protect against heavy metal toxicity. Other mutual functions and effects of deficiency in farm animals are discussed in the section on vitamin E (see pp. 81-86). 

---