title: Nutrition, diet and immunosenescence.
abstract: Ageing is characterized by immunosenescence and the progressive decline in immunity in association with an increased frequency of infections and chronic disease. This complex process affects both the innate and adaptive immune systems with a progressive decline in most immune cell populations and defects in activation resulting in loss of function. Although host genetics and environmental factors, such as stress, exercise and diet can impact on the onset or course of immunosenescence, the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. This review focusses on identifying the most significant aspects of immunosenescence and on the evidence that nutritional intervention might delay this process, and consequently improve the quality of life of the elderly.
authors.affiliation: Gut Health & Food Safety Research Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK.
authors.forename: Mònica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maijó
authors.affiliation: Gut Health & Food Safety Research Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Clements
authors.affiliation: Gut Health & Food Safety Research Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK.
authors.forename: Kamal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ivory
authors.affiliation: Gut Health & Food Safety Research Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nicoletti
authors.affiliation: Gut Health & Food Safety Research Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK; Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. Electronic address: simon.carding@ifr.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Simon R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Carding
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000166:cytology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005227:Fatty Acids; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology*; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation; D008136:Longevity; D052756:Nutritional Sciences; D011788:Quality of Life; D014815:Vitamins
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D005227:Fatty Acids; D014815:Vitamins
keywords: Ageing; Immunosenescence; Nutrition