How Do Vitamins & Minerals Affect The Immune System?

The prevailing cause of compromised immune systems around the world is deficient nutritional intake, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats and calories are necessary for a well-functioning immune system. Without certain nutrients, your immune system can become suppressed. A suppressed immune system cannot produce enough immune cells to protect you from toxic microbes such as bacteria and viruses. If you have nutritional questions or concerns, please consult a registered dietitian.

IMMUNITY AND NUTRITION

Vitamins and minerals are natural compounds that humans need to be healthy. Without sufficient amounts of these substances, you may develop infections and diseases due to a compromised immune system. This presents a Catch-22 scenario, in that infections and diseases can make malnutrition worse, because your body may not be able to absorb the nutrients from food, states the Linus Pauling Institute. You need 11 vitamins and 20 different minerals, which your diet can provide. Your physician may suggest nutritional supplements for specific diseases and conditions.

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VITAMINS

Required vitamins are vitamin A, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, biotin, vitamin B-12, folic acid and vitamins C, D, E and K. Vitamin D, for example, induces the manufacture of immune cells that fight bacteria, according to a review from researchers at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, published in the June 2011 issue of "Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology." Foods such as red meat, eggs, dark leafy green vegetables, orange vegetables like squash and pumpkin, citrus fruits, nuts and dairy products collectively can provide you with these vitamins, writes biologist John W. Kimball, Ph.D. on his website.

MINERALS

Calcium is critical to immune system functioning because it activates immune cells such as T cells and B cells to fight toxins. It also stimulates the production of the hormone insulin, according to Kimball. Your thyroid gland and metabolic system cannot carry out their respective jobs if you are deficient in iodine. Zinc is essential for physical development and reproduction. Moreover it has important roles in brain and immune function, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Researchers in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Akron General Medical Center in Ohio studied vitamin D's affect on sepsis, a serious condition that occurs when bacteria overrun your bloodstream. They found that vitamin D enhances immune functioning by increasing the production of microbe-fighting components that live on your skin and in mucous membranes. Your skin and mucous membranes, such as the lining of your intestines, are first to fight off toxic viruses and bacteria, as reported in the July issue of the "Journal of Infection." In another study published in the May-June issue of "Molecular Medicine Reports," German scientists confirmed that zinc is essential in the development and capacity of immune cells, such as white blood cells called T lymphocytes. They concluded that a deficiency in this mineral can lead to DNA damage.