Update: effects of antioxidant and non-antioxidant vitamin supplementation on immune function.
The purpose of this manuscript is to review the impact of supplementation with vitamins E and C, carotenoids, and the B vitamins on parameters of innate and adaptive immune function as reported from clinical trials in humans. There is evidence to support causal effects of supplementation with vitamins E and C and the carotenoids singly and in combination on selected aspects of immunity, including the functional capacity of innate immune cells, lymphocyte proliferation, and the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. Controlled intervention trials of B vitamin-containing multivitamin supplements suggest beneficial effects on immune parameters and clinical outcomes in HIV-positive individuals.
Webb
Aimee L
AL
Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA. awebb@hsph.harvard.edu
Villamor
Eduardo
E
D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000975:Antioxidants; D014815:Vitamins