Nutrition and immune system in the elderly
ABSTRACT: The number of
individuals aged 60 years or older is projected to double as a proportion of the world’s population and
to more than triple in number over the
next 50 years. Aging is often associated with a dysregulation in immune
function, particularly in T-cell responses, even in the healthy elderly.
Adequate nutrition is important for optimal immune function. Specific nutrient
deficiencies can aggravate the age-associated dysfunction in immune function
and increase the risk of illness. Several micronutrients such as iron, zinc,
and selenium are essential to specific and non-specific immune function and
thus influence the susceptibility of the elderly to infectious diseases. Free
radicals and oxidative stress have been
recognized as important factors in the biology of aging and of many age-associated
degenerative diseases. Therefore, dietary components with antioxidant activity
have received particular attention because of their potential role in
modulating oxidative stress associated with aging and chronicconditions. The
nutritional deficiency impairs the immune response, exposure to viral
pathogens, and will result in an increase in the severity of diseases.
Nutritional deficiency in the elderly must be treated to reduce the risk of infection
and possibly slow the aging process.
Author: Rina K. Kusumaratnaa
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg060001
