• Good nutrition is essential for supporting a strong immune system in several ways.     
• Some nutrients positively influence the health of skin, connective tissue, and tissues lining the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. This provides a physical barrier to the entry of foreign microbes into the body.
• Other nutrients support the synthesis of new immune cells and regulate their function.
• Finally, there are nutrients whose primary functions are to protect body cells from being damaged by reactive free radicals that arise from environmental stresses and infections.
• Help protect yourself and support your immune health by including the right kind and amount of nutrients in your daily diet.
• It is important to get adequate amounts of the following nutrients to support your immune health.

• Protein is needed for the building of antibodies and immune system cells. In addition, some of the amino acids that make up proteins are important fuels for cells in the immune system.
• Vitamin A helps regulate the immune system and protect the body against infections by keeping skin and tissues in the mouth, stomach, intestines and respiratory system healthy.
• Vitamin C helps the body build healthy skin and connective tissue, which helps to block the entry of foreign microbes. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that protects cells (e.g., cells of the immune system) from damage caused by free radicals.
• Vitamin E works as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from damage due to free radicals. Healthy cell membranes help keep foreign microbes out.
• Vitamin D helps to activate immune cells and properly regulate their function.
• Zinc is needed for wound healing and for cellular reproduction, which is important in the synthesis of new immune system cells.
• Other nutrients, including vitamin B6, folate, selenium, iron, as well as prebiotics, probiotics, also may promote proper immune responses.
• There is a strong relationship between poor nutritional status, compromised immunity, infectious disease.
• Malnutrition increases the vulnerability to infection through impaired immune system, and infection exacerbates the condition, further weakening the immune response.
• Even mild febrile infections can negatively affect nutritional status.
• A well-functioning immune system is key to providing a good defense against pathogenic organisms. 

IMPORTANCE OF PROPER NUTRITION DURING ILLNESS – HOW ENSURE CAN HELP

    ·       Ensure is a scientifically designed, oral nutrition supplement (ONS), for adults that has been available for more than 45 years and studied in over 5,500 individuals in 30+ clinical studies. 

    ·       Ensure products are scientifically designed and are a source of complete, balanced nutrition with essential macronutrients and micronutrients to support overall health.

    ·       Ensure products serve as a source of supplemental nutrition in times when people cannot consume enough nutrition from food, so that the body can get the nutrition it needs to support daily bodily functions and processes, including to aid in recovery from illness. 

    ·       Ensure products can benefit patients who have inadequate food intake, are malnourished, are at nutritional risk, or are experiencing involuntary weight loss.

    ·       Randomized, controlled trials have shown that ONS, that provide calories, protein and micronutrients can positively affect body weight, nutritional status, and strength in hospitalized patients, as well as community dwelling older adults.

    ·       Ensure products are a source of key nutrients, such as protein, vitamin A, zinc, antioxidants, that play important roles in immune health.

    ·       Antioxidants are essential for immune function.

    ·       Antioxidants – such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium – help prevent oxidative damage to cells during the immune response to invading pathogens and during infection.

    ·       Oral nutrition supplements fortified with antioxidant nutrients help improve immune function.

References:

1.        Bresnahan KA et al. Undernutrition, the Acute Phase Response to Infection, Its Effects on Micronutrient Status. Adv Nutr 2014(5):702-711.

2.        Maggini S et al.  Vitamins C, D, and zinc: synergistic roles in immune function and infections.  Vitam Miner 2017;6:3.

3.        The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  Protect Your Health Through Immune Boosting Nutrition.

4.        https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/preventing-illness/protect-your-health-with-immune-boosting-nutrition.

5.Walsh NP.  Nutrition and athlete immune health: new perspectives on an old paradigm.  Sports Med 2019;49(Suppl 2):S153-S168.

6.     Beattie AH, et al. A randomised controlled trial evaluating the use of enteral nutritional supplements postoperatively in malnourished surgical patients. Gut 2000;46:813-818.

7.     Buettner GR. The pecking order of free radicals and antioxidants: lipid peroxidation, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbate. Arch Biochem Biophys 1993; 300(2):535-543.

8.     Grimble RF. Nutritional modulation of immune function. Proc Nutr Soc 2001;60:289-297.

9.     Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC, National Academy Press;2000.

10.     Maggini S, et al. Selected vitamins and trace minerals support immune function by strengthening epithelial barriers and cellular and humoral immune responses. Br J Nutr 2007; 98(Suppl 1):S29-S35.

11.     Meydani SN, et al. Vitamin E and respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents. JAMA 2004;292:828-836.

12.     Roebothan BV and Chandra RK. Relationship between nutritional status and immune function of elderly people. Age and Ageing 1994;23:49-53.