A good multivitamin/mineral can enhance the immune system by supporting the body's natural defenses on both structural and cellular levels

A recent article published in the British Journal of Nutrition summarizes the roles of selected vitamins and trace elements in immune function. Adequate intakes of micronutrients are required for the immune system to function efficiently. Micronutrient deficiency suppresses immunity by affecting antibody responses, leading to imbalances in the immune system. This situation increases susceptibility to infections, which increases disease and death risk. In addition, infections aggravate micronutrient deficiencies by reducing nutrient intake, increasing losses, and interfering with utilization by altering metabolic pathways.

Inadequate intakes of micronutrients are common in all people, since our food is now depleted, but in particular in smokers (active and passive), individuals with chronic alcohol abuse, during pregnancy and lactation, and in the elderly, deficiencies can be dangerous.

Micronutrients contribute to the body's natural defenses on three levels by:

• supporting physical barriers (skin/mucosa)
• cellular immunity and
• antibody production.

Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral zinc assist in enhancing the skin barrier function. The vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and folic acid and the minerals iron, zinc, copper and selenium work in synergy to support the protective activities of the immune cells. Finally, all these micronutrients, with the exception of vitamin C and iron, are essential for the production of antibodies. Overall, inadequate intake and status of these vitamins and minerals may lead to a suppressed immune system, which increases the risk of infections and aggravates malnutrition.

Therefore, supplementation with a good quality multivitamin/mineral can support the body's natural defense system by enhancing all three levels of immunity.

Br J Nutr. 2007 Oct;98 Suppl 1:S29-35.