Nutritional Immunology

Diet plays a role in almost every function in the body. Among others, diet is critical in maintaining an optimal immune function. Extensive research demonstrates the immunomodulatory properties of particular nutrients; however, in many cases, mechanisms still remain unclear.

This section invites authors to submit original research and review articles describing the impact and mechanisms underlying the relationship between nutrition and immunity. We are interested in articles describing this complex relationship in humans and also in animal models, either in health or during pathological processes, in which the dietary compounds may act by modulating the immune response. Studies performed in appropriate “in vitro” approaches are also welcome.

Subject Area

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

Dietary influence of the immune system on particular life periods and specific situations

• Gestation
• Lactation and Breast Milk
• Infancy
• Senescence
• Exercise
• Stress
• Infection
• Immune mediated diseases: allergy, inflammation, autoimmunity, etc.

Immunomodulatory action of vitamins and minerals

• Vitamins A and D
• Vitamins B
• Vitamins C and E
• Vitamin D
• Minerals: Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, etc.

Polyphenols (phenolics and flavonoids) on immune function

• Pure polyphenols
• Plant extracts enriched in polyphenols
• Polyphenol metabolites
• Enriched polyphenol foods
• Other phytochemicals

Dietary fatty acids (FA) and modulation of immune function in health and disease

• FA and PUFA supplements
• Foods enriched in certain FA and PUFA

Nucleotides and amino acids in immunomodulation

• Nucleotides
• Glutamine, taurine and other amino acids

Microbial modulators and immune system

• Fiber
• Probiotics
• Prebiotics
• Symbiotics
• Postbiotics
• Dairy products
• Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO)
• Milk whey proteins and other components
• Milk banking
• Infant formulas components