The immune system is a complex defence network that protects body against potentially harmful agents and has the capacity to respond to millions of antigens. Through orchestrated reactions, that is, the immune response, the immune system can recognize and remove pathogens. It serves to distinguish “non-self” from “self” and acts to ensure tolerance of “self”, food and other environment components and commensal bacteria inherent in the body.

However, any mistake or alteration in tolerance pathways may lead to an immunological disordered process. Although there are plenty of factors involved in the aetiology of disease, most conditions are related to the immune system, they frequently being infectious, inflammatory, or autoimmune processes. Briefly, the immune system comprises three levels of defence:

1.Anatomical and physiological barriers,

2.The innate or unspecific immunity and

3. The adaptive or specific immunity (also termed acquired)^3,4.

Immunonutrition is a term given to nutritional interventions that modulate the immune and inflammatory responses in an individual’s i.e. ill and immune compromised. This is accomplished via the enteral or parenteral administration of formulas containing an array of immunonutrients in amounts greater than normally found in the diet. Some of the more commonly used immunonutrients include arginine, glutamine, branched-chain amino acids, omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, trace metals (e.g. zinc, copper, iron), vitamins B, C and E  and nucleotides or antioxidants, herbal supplements like Turmeric, Tinospora, Androgophis, Centella asiatica, Amla, Phyllanthus niruri, Ashwaganda,Ginger, Cinnamon,Neem etc.

Relationship between nutrition and immunity:

It is well-known that adequate nutrition is an important factor allowing the normal development of the immune system as well as its correct function throughout life, although the study of the relationship between nutrition and immune function is relatively recent. Immunonutrition is the science that studies interactions between nutrition and immune system, infection, inflammation and injury or tissue damage.

Traditionally, the study of the interaction between nutrition and infection has included the role of infection in defining nutritional status and the role of nutrition in determining host defence mechanisms. The 1968 World Health Organization monograph about “Interactions between Nutrition and Infection” presented the mechanisms linking infection and poor nutritional status. Following the development of immunology as a science, increasing evidence was obtained as well to show how under nutrition may impair resistance to infections and the immune response.

Importance of Immunonutrition:

All the immunonutrients and its components are important for our health and their effects were demonstrated through various research showing improvements and prophylaxis after consuming these immune nutrients also the deficiency disorders when fed diets without. Trials of these immuno-nutrients indicate several beneficial clinical effects, particularly in surgical, immune compromised, paediatric supplementation etc, for an example one of the most commonly recognized immuno-nutrients are Zinc, Selenium.

These are required as a catalytic, structural and regulatory ions for enzymes and proteins and are therefore a key trace elements in many homeostatic mechanisms of the body, including immune responses, their deficiencies are characterized by depressed immune functions, lymphopenia and reduced numbers of circulating T and B Lymphocytes, and impaired chemotactic responses of neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages hence their supplementation will enhance and boost immunity.

Similarly herbal components like Amla, Turmeric, Centella, Phyllanthus niruri, Androgophis, Ginger, Cinnamon, Neem rich in polyphenols like Tannins, Triterpenoids, Flavonoids, Ascorbic acid (Vit C), Curcumin, Gingerols etc, which has got immense anti-oxidant and immune boosting activity helps to fight against various viral and bacterial infections both individually and synergistically with micro nutrients, trace elements etc. without attenuating any side effects on long term usage. Hence supplementation of these immuno-nutrients with routine diet will ensure comprehensiveness and prophylaxis.

Dr. Vinayraj BG, BAMS, MD, PGDCR&PV
Sr.Manager, R&D,
Juggat Pharma
Pharma Division of Jagdale Industries Pvt Ltd, Bangalore-74
Ph:080-28437297  Mob: 9844207382

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