Nutritional Factors and Cellular Immune Responses

Abstract

Nutritional factors affect the immune response to infection and cancer in the elderly as well as young children. We studied the effects of lower and higher intake of food or nutrients on the immune cells of macrophage-lymphocyte series in the lung of rats. In rats of all ages taking voluntary exercise, a well balanced diet that contains adequate protein (20–40%) is crucial for maintenance of high levels of immune response. In addition, extra amounts of vitamins A and E activated the function of alveolar macrophages, which are probably stimulated by fat soluble vitamins coming into the lung via the lymphatic route from the intestine, and will be especially important in preventing pulmonary infection and cancer.