Nutritional Interventions for Aging: Vitamin E and Selenium Impact on Immune Function
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70788/ern.2.1.2025.15Abstract
Elderly mortality as well as morbidity have been affected by immune-senescence, or immune system ageing. Age-related quantitative and qualitative shifts affect innate and adaptive immune responses, innate and adaptive immune cells, soluble immune-mediated substances, lymphoid and non-lymphoid distant tissue, etc. The thymus gland, which is an essential organ of the immune system responsible to produce T lymphocytes, begins to shrink after puberty and continues to do so as a person ages. This process is known as thymic involution. As the thymus gland becomes smaller and less active, the production of new T cells declines, and the existing T cells become less effective. This can lead to a weaker immune response to infections and disease. However, antigen-presenting cells and B cells are less affected because they are not produced in the thymus gland. Other factors such as chronic inflammation, stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise can also contribute to age-related immune decline. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and take steps to boost the immune system as one gets older.
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