ABSTRACT
The integral role nutrition plays in immunity is evidenced by the clinical impact of nutritional intake and status on infection, immune-mediated conditions, and their complications. The diverse mechanisms that contribute to this relationship include nutrients and their metabolites directly interacting with immune cells, serving as substrates or cofactors along inflammation pathways, molding the gut microbiome, and preserving the epithelial barrier that separates antigens from immune cells. Given the immune system’s etiologic and antitumor roles in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, nutritional interventions have also been considered in patients with cancer. This chapter presents an overview of several nutrients and their effects on immune function and immune-mediated diseases, as well as the potential role of immunonutrition in cancer prevention and treatment.
