title: Polyunsaturated fatty acids. Immunomodulators in older adults.
abstract: The immune system tends to become less efficient as people age, and nutrition plays a significant role in older adults' immune responses. In particular, dietary fatty acids are precursors to important immune system components. Certain fatty acids, predominantly those that are polyunsaturated, also tend to decrease the risk of certain neurological diseases in older adults. This article describes the impact of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on older adults' immune system and discusses the roles of age and immune status with regard to PUFA supplements.
authors.affiliation: Heart Program, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, KY40536, USA. Fdbowe2@uky.edu
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hardin-Fanning
authors.forename: Gilbert A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Boissonneault
authors.forename: Terry A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Lennie
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000368:Aged; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated