Micro nutrients as immunomodulators in the ageing population: a focus on inflammation and autoimmunity.

Abstract

Immunosenescence, the slow degradation of immune function over time that is a hallmark and driver of aging, makes older people much more likely to be killed by common infections (such as flu) than young adults, but it also contributes greatly to rates of chronic inflammation in later life. Such micro nutrients are crucial for modulating effective immune responses and their deficiencies have been associated with dysfunctional immunity in the elderly. In this review, we specifically focused on the contribution of major micro nutrients (Vitamins A, D and E, Vitamin C; Zinc and Selenium) as immunomodulators in ageing population especially related to inflame-ageing process including autoimmunity. This review will cover these hologenomic interactions, including how micro nutrients can modulate immune cell function and/or cytokine production to benefit their hosts with healthy mucous-associated immunity along with a sustainable immunologic homeostasis. For example, it points out the modulatory effects of vitamin D on both innate and adaptive immunity, with a specific focus on its ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines synthesis while enhancing regulatory T-cell function. In the same context, also zinc is described as important nutrient for thymic function and T-cell differentiation but exhibits immunomodulatory functions by decreasing inflammation. In addition, the review will go over how micro nutrient deficiencies increase systemic chronic low-grade inflammation and, inflammaging as well as actually enhance autoimmune pathologies in old age. It assesses the potential role of additional targeted nutritional supplementation with micro nutrients to counteract these effects, promoting wider immune resilience in older adults. This review collates the current evidence and highlights the role of adequate micro nutrient intake on inflammation and autoimmunity during ageing, providing plausible origins for nutritional interventions to promote healthy immune aging.