Potential Immunomodulatory Effects from Consumption of Nutrients in Whole Foods and Supplements on the Frequency and Course of Infection: Preliminary Results |
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Authors: | Ewelina Polak Agnieszka Ewa Stpie Olga Gol Jacek Tabarkiewicz |
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Institution: | 1.Department of Dietetics, Institute of Health Sciences, College for Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, al/mjr. W. Kopisto 2a, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland;2.Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, College for Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Warzywna 1A, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland;3.Department of Human Immunology, Institute of Medicine, College for Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Warzywna 1A., 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland; |
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Abstract: | A diet rich in nutrients should be implemented in order to boost the immune system and prevent infections. To investigate which nutrients are commonly consumed, an anonymous survey was given to 120 individuals and their responses were collected. The respondents answered questions relating to their health status, and their consumption of nutrients and supplements that produce immunomodulating effects. The participants were also asked about any prior viral, bacterial or fungal infections experienced, and in particular, infection frequency, course, and duration. The data collected were subjected to a statistical analyses to assess the relationship between the reported frequency of infections and nutrients consumed including vitamins D3, A, C, E, selenium, zinc, iron, β-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids as well as live active probiotic bacteria. The findings show that vitamin and mineral supplementation did not positively affect the duration, frequency, or course of infections in the surveyed sample. An exception was vitamin D3 supplementation that was correlated to sporadic incidence of viral infections. Conversely, immunity was positively affected by consumption of natural nutrients contained in whole food (vitamin C, iron, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids), evidenced by lower incidences and milder courses of infection. |
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Keywords: | immunomodulatory factors immune system nutrients probiotics omega-3 fatty acid |
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