Nutrients That Boost Immunity

[Guest guest]

http://www.consciouschoice.com/holisticmd/hmd112.html

Nutrients That Boost Immunity

by Hoffman, M.D.

Conscious Choice, March 1998

Recently a national Conference on Nutrition and Immunity was convened in

Atlanta, Georgia, bringing together top scientists in the fields of

nutrition and immunology. The participants concluded that " Because nutrition

and other factors are critical to the establishment and maintenance of a

healthy functional immune system the role of nutrition warrants closer

scrutiny. "

Scientists now recognize the crucial role that nutrition plays in supporting

immune function. Nutrition authorities have long acknowledged the importance

of macronutrients -- adequate intake of protein and calories in maintaining

the body's defenses. Protein-calorie malnutrition, such as occurs with

prolonged starvation, stringent self-imposed dieting as in anorexia, or in

profound disease states such as cancer and AIDS, robs the body of its

defensive capabilities, depleting white blood cells as well as crucial

immune system proteins.

But the new frontier of nutrition research lies in the application of

micronutrients -- vitamins, minerals, and related cofactors -- to immune

support. Modulating the immune response with supplements has become a

reality.

Vitamin A: The fat-soluble vitamin retinol is crucial for immune defense.

Studies in Third-World countries have shown that the administration of

Vitamin A to malnourished children confers protection against measles and

reduces the death rate associated with this viral infection. The

administration of Vitamin A to cortisone-treated animals appears to abolish

the immunosuppressive effects of cortisone. Vitamin A enhances white blood

cell function, enhances resistance to infection and carcinogens, and helps

maintain skin and mucus membrane defenses to infection.

Carotenoids and beta-carotene: Besides being a precursor to Vitamin A, beta

carotene has its own unique immune-stimulating properties that Vitamin A

does not. Beta carotene is also a potent anti-oxidant, but there are over

600 other carotenoids found in nature. Many, like lycopene and zeanxanthin

have potent cancer-preventing effects.

B vitamins: The B vitamins are often thought to work together in concert as

a " B complex " . For example in AIDS, more rapid disease progression is seen

in patients with deficiencies of the B Vitamins B6 and B12. B6 is

particularly important for immune function. Deficiency of B6 is particularly

common in teenage girls and young women who are prone to dieting and

consumption of sugars and refined foods. It can lead to decreased white

blood cell response and shrinkage of the critical immune system organ, the

thymus.

B12 is also central to immune processes because it governs cell division and

growth. Without adequate B12, white blood cells can't mature and multiply.

Folic acid also plays a key role in immune system development and

maintenance.

Vitamin C: Championed by Linus ing as an antiviral and anticancer

nutrient, Vitamin C is an immune system booster par excellence. White blood

cells use Vitamin C to combat infections, and in the face of inflammation or

microbial challenge, levels of Vitamin C are depleted. Animals -- with the

exception of guinea pigs -- have the ability to manufacture extra Vitamin C

in their livers to replete their stores -- but humans and their distant

rodent relatives lack the crucial enzyme that synthesizes C. Thus, when

confronted by stress, we need additional outside sources of C. How much C is

enough? Recent studies show that tissue levels of C top out at around two to

three grams per day of oral intake, but nutritionally-oriented physicians

sometimes overcome this limitation by administering high intravenous doses

of C to patients with serious infections or cancer.

Vitamin E: Deficiency of this crucial immune booster is not uncommon. A

survey of older Americans revealed that over 40 percent of elderly men and

women had intakes of Vitamin E two thirds below the RDA (which is a paltry

40 international units!). Studies have shown a statistically significant

reduction in infections in elderly volunteers with use of from 400 to 800

i.u. of Vitamin E daily. Lab measurements of immune function were also

decisively enhanced. It is worthy of note that megadoses of Vitamin E may be

immunosuppressive. This quality of E may be harnessed in autoimmune

conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus where overexuberant immune

responses need to be restrained.

Chromium: Mostly thought of as a blood sugar regulatory mineral, recent

research in animal models shows chromium can enhance the ability of white

blood cells to respond to infection.

Copper: A recent study shows that a diet deficient in copper affects the

human immune system, reducing the activity of some cells that attack

invading bacteria. Plans are underway to see if copper supplementation in

non-copper-deficient individuals can further enhance immune function.

Iron: Like vitamin E, the effect of iron on immunity is two-fold. Iron

deficiency paralyzes the immune response. In fact, response to tetanus

vaccines can be marginal in iron-deficient individuals. But don't try too

hard to emulate Popeye; excess iron is deleterious to immunity. The immune

system keeps invading microbes in check by depriving them of iron via a

specific immune defense substance called lactoferrin, made in the intestine

and found in mothers' milk.

Manganese: Supplementation of manganese has been shown to enhance natural

killer cell and macrophage activity.

Selenium: A clue to selenium's crucial role in immune system support is the

fact that serum levels of this mineral are the single most important

nutrient factor accounting for survival in patients with AIDS. Selenium also

has been shown to protect humans from the heart-damaging effects of

cytomegalovirus (CMV). Researchers now suspect that selenium deficiency may

allow viruses to mutate into more dangerous pathogens. Selenium's role as a

partner for the key antioxidant glutathione also helps explain its

protective effects.

Zinc: Dr. Ranjit Chandra, one of the world's foremost authorities on the

role of nutrition on immunity, has pioneered research on the essentiality of

zinc for optimum defense. Numerous studies now prove supplemental zinc can

restore flagging immunity. This may be the basis of the observed benefits of

zinc lozenges for colds. As with iron and Vitamin E, more isn't necessarily

better. Daily doses of 100 mg. or more of zinc may actually be

immuno-suppressive.

Other non-vitamin mineral supplements may have a role in supporting

immunity. Here are some of the key players:

Arginine: The amino acid l-arginine augments T-cell response and may be

helpful in hastening surgical recovery, as well as in cancer and AIDS. But

sometimes caution is warranted, because very high levels of arginine can

compete with lysine, an amino acid which keeps certain viruses in check.

Alkylglycerol: Derived from oil of the liver of the ratfish found in the

North Atlantic, alkylglycerol promotes white blood cell production. I use

alkylglycerol to restore the white blood cell counts of patients undergoing

chemotherapy.

CoEnzyme Q10: This energy-enhancing nutrient may work to promote immunity by

powering the cellular batteries of microbe-devouring macrophages.

Dimethyglycine (DMG): Research on this nutrient has centered on its ability

to enhance the efficacy of vaccines which depend on optimal host immune

response to take effect.

Phytonutrients: A wide variety of plant-derived substances have specific

immune-augmenting capabilities. These include garlic, echinacea,

arabinogalactan from larch tree bark, cat's claw, astragalus, maitake

mushroom, and yeast-derived beta 1, 3 D-glucans

Clearly, then, the way is open to a better understanding of how synergistric

application of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients and plant-derived

factors can optimize immune function.

Dr. Hoffman is Medical Director of the Hoffman Center in New York

City and host of Health Talk, a syndicated radio program heard weeknights in

New York on WOR (710 AM) from 9:00 to 10:00 pm, Saturdays noon to 2:00 pm.

He is author of several books, including Intelligent Medicine (Fireside,

1997). Dr. Hoffman's website contains useful health information.