| There is a strong consensus that nutrition plays a
role in modulating immune function and that the
immune system needs adequate supply of
nutrients to function properly. The complexity of
the immune system supports this idea because its
optimal functioning involves a variety of
biological activities including cell division and
proliferation, energy metabolism, and production
of proteins. The micronutrients most often cited as
being important to immune function include
vitamins A, C, E, and B6, folate, iron, zinc, and
selenium. Other nutrients mentioned as playing a
role in immune function include beta-carotene (a
precursor to vitamin A), vitamin B12, and vitamin
D. On the other hand, over-activation of the
immune system can lead to detrimental effects
such as chronic inflammation or autoimmune
diseases. In persons with allergies, a normally
harmless material can be mistaken as an antigen.
Some individuals develop an exaggerated immune
response to food through developing food allergy
which may be IgE mediated, non-IgE mediated, or
mixed. This review will highlight the interaction
between the immune system and some foods and
food components in terms of modulation of
immune functions by a variety of mechanisms. |