ABSTRACT
The fundamental role of the immune system is to preserve the integrity of the organism. While fullling its role, the immune system is inuenced by several factors, both internal and external, including genetics, age, reproductive phase, health and disease, nutrition, environment, and resident microbiota-both symbiotic and pathogenic. Of all the factors that shape the immune response and inuence its response, only nutrition provides both the building blocks and the energy that are essential for its function. Interestingly, until recently, the role of nutrition was understood to be precisely that, to provide sustenance for the immune system. As current thinking evolves, nutrition is increasingly being recognized as a powerful driving force that shapes key physiological and pathological responses and underwrites evolutionary
Introduction .............................................................................................................. 17 Cells and Processes Involved in Nutrition and the Immune System Have Coevolved .................................................................................................. 18
Diet and Immunity: History and Renewed Focus ....................................................20 Why Is It Important to Ensure Immune Health? .................................................20 What Impacts Immune Health? ........................................................................... 21
Malnutrition/Overnutrition ............................................................................. 21 Metabolic Disease: Diabetes Mellitus ............................................................ 21
Effect of Age on the Immune System .................................................................23 Immune Response in Neonates ......................................................................23 Immune Response Changes with Aging .........................................................24 Stress ..............................................................................................................24
