Nutritional supplements for immune deficiency

Abstract

The immune system is an interlinked system of cells, tissues and organs working together to defend the body from pathogens like bacteria, fungi and viruses. Essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals are required to regulate the innate and adaptive immune response. Conditions, such as malnutrition and certain disease states, may require supplementation of different vitamins and minerals to improve the immune system. The use of nutritional supplements can vary depending on the cause of immune deficiency, weather inflammatory or infectious. Getting adequate nutrients in the diet or supplementation is necessary to sustain good immune function and provide resistance against infections. Pharmacists can play a key role in nutritional supplementation according to the four step CARE guide. This article will discuss the use of individual vitamins and nutritional supplements in immune deficiency as well as in other applications.