Immunonutrition: The Prophylaxis

The immune system is a complex defence network that protects body against potentially harmful agents and has the capacity to respond to millions of antigens.

- Dr. Vinayraj BG

Through orchestrated reactions, that is, the immune response, the immune system can recognize and remove pathogens. It serves to distinguish “non-self ” from “self ” and acts to ensure tolerance of “self ”, food and other environment components and commensal bacteria inherent in the body. However, any mistake or alteration in tolerance pathways may lead to an immunological disordered process. Although there are plenty of factors involved in the aetiology of disease, most conditions are related to the immune system, they frequently being infectious, inflammatory, or autoimmune processes1,2.

Briefly, the immune system comprises three levels of defence: 1. Anatomical and physiological barriers, 2.The innate or unspecific immunity and 3. The adaptive or specific immunity (also termed acquired)3,4.