title: Nutrition and immune function.
abstract: The complexity of the immune system allows for a multitude of potential avenues for nutrient modulation, but this also increase the challenge of producing a predictable in vivo response. Because the immune response is a cascade of biologic events, development of nutritional support paradigms cannot and should not be made in a vacuum or with the expectation of a singular response. It is absolutely imperative that the clinician/nutritionist understand the differences in metabolIc and physiologic responses to disease states (ie, shock, trauma, organ-specific dysfunction) so as to maximize immunocompetence through specialized feeding practices. This level of understanding is invaluable, especially when considering the possible benefit of nutrient combinations for immunomodualtion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors.forename: Korinn E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Saker
mesh_terms: D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000276:immunology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000276:immunology*; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D007121:Immunocompetence; D008903:Minerals / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals; D014815:Vitamins