What Is Immunonutrition?
Immunonutrition is the science that studies the relationship between nutrients and immunity. Its objectives are to know the immunological markers associated with nutritional status.
In this way, it aims to develop a model on how the compounds present in food influence the body’s immune response against viruses, bacteria, toxins.
Immunonutrition: there are nutrients that stimulate the immune system
Some substances have the property of enhancing human immunity, or at least establishing a series of interactions with it. Let’s see below the nutrients that stimulate the immune system, according to the evidence found.
Glutamine
The first example is glutamine. It is a non-essential amino acid that has functions related to the protection of the digestive tract. Supplementation with this substance improves the intestinal mucosa and reduces hospital stay in patients with bone marrow transplantation according to the scientific literature.
Arginine
It is another amino acid, in this case with the property of improving cellular immune function and wound healing. However, the scientific literature indicates that supplementation with this substance can reduce inflammatory responses. For this reason, more studies are needed to ensure its efficacy.
Omega-3 fatty acids
These fatty acids regulate the synthesis of eicosanoids which, in turn, act as mediators of the immune response. In addition, they have an important anti-inflammatory effect that serves to counteract the inflammatory effect of omega 6, present in processed foods.
Scientific studies point out the importance of keeping the intake of both nutrients balanced so as not to cause a state of inflammation.
How to improve the intake of these nutrients?
To optimize the immune response, it is advisable to take quality protein intakes on a daily basis. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least ingesting 0.8 g of protein per kg of body weight in sedentary people. These recommendations are increased in the case of athletes.
In addition, it is necessary to take into account that 50% of the protein intake must be of animal origin to ensure the intake of all essential amino acids in their correct proportion.
Regarding this, we should prioritize the intake of fish over that of meat. In this way, and with a regular consumption of oily fish, we are more likely to reach the omega 3 consumption recommendations.
We can also find this nutrient in vegetable oils and in fruits such as avocado. Of course, the oils are better consumed raw to avoid the formation of toxic compounds that can affect our health.
Is immunonutrition equal to supplementation?
In principle, nutrient supplementation is not recommended except in cases of special needs, deficiencies or pathologies. The long-term effects of supplementation with certain vitamins, for example, are not known for sure.
The only substance whose supplementation could be favorable for a broad spectrum of the population is probiotics. In addition, these types of substances begin to be closely related to immune function. Many trials are being carried out in this regard and it will not take long to reach conclusions and evidence.
Saving this case, and that of vitamin D due to its deficit nature, supplementation by default is not recommended. A separate case would be that of athletes, especially when seeking an increase in performance.
In sedentary people, and even looking for an improvement of the immune system, the current recommendations advocate a varied and balanced diet and the practice of regular physical exercise. However, immunonutrition is a very broad field and much remains to be explored in this regard.
Immunonutrition: what should we remember?
Immunonutrition is a relatively new science with a lot of ground ahead. Despite this, there are already certain discoveries in this regard. There are nutrients that have the ability to improve and modulate the immune response.
In addition, we have the case of probiotics, which promises to revolutionize this sector in the coming years. With a better knowledge of the genome and of this area, the trend is to evolve towards personalized and individualized nutrition.
However, the evidence we have today leads us to bet on a varied and balanced diet. Guaranteeing the protein and omega 3 intake is important, but it is also important to reduce the consumption of processed foods and toxic elements such as alcohol.
As supplements, only probiotics could be valued by default, extending to a good part of the population. In the case of amino acid supplementation, cases must be assessed on an individual basis.
