Immune boost for the elderly with nutrition

07/10/2024

The immune system plays an essential role in protecting the body against pathogens, especially in the elderly, whose immune function often declines due to aging. This decline can lead to an increased risk of infection and disease, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality.

To maintain and strengthen the immune system in the elderly, proper nutrition is an indispensable factor. Through a scientific diet, the elderly can significantly improve their immune function, reduce the risk of disease, and improve their quality of life.

1. The role of the immune system in the health of the elderly

Age-related immune decline is an inevitable part of the aging process, causing unwanted negative effects on human health. As we age, the function of immune cells declines, becoming less effective, leading to slower and weaker responses to pathogens. At the same time, the number and effectiveness of T lymphocytes in the adaptive immune system also declines, along with the reduced production of antibodies from B lymphocytes, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections due to insufficient protective cells.

As we age, the function of immune cells declines, becoming less effective, leading to slower and weaker responses to pathogens. At the same time, the number and effectiveness of T lymphocytes in the adaptive immune system also declines, along with the reduced production of antibodies from B lymphocytes, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections due to insufficient protective cells.

Age-related decline in the immune system is an inevitable part of the aging process

According to research, the immune system declines with age, leading to a phenomenon called “inflammaging” – chronic inflammation related to aging. This condition damages tissues in the body and increases the risk of serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, immune-related diseases and musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, this decline in immune function may also explain why older adults are more susceptible to prolonged colds and flu and why vaccines become less effective. A weakened immune system is no longer able to produce enough antibodies to effectively fight infections. 

In this context, nutrition plays an important role in strengthening the immune system, especially for older adults, whose immune systems are no longer as effective as before. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is key to improving immunity, thereby reducing the risk of disease and infection. Like every other cell in the body, immune cells need a steady supply of nutrients for effective functioning. Protein is an important component in the structure of immune cells, a lack of protein can reduce the ability to produce antibodies to destroy bacteria and viruses. In addition, fiber and probiotics help maintain a healthy intestinal microflora, thereby strengthening the immune system because a healthy gut contributes 80% of the body’s immune system. 

2. The role of essential nutrients in boosting the immune system

Proper nutrition provides energy and essential nutrients for health so that the body can function and ensure digestive, cardiovascular, endocrine functions, especially the immune system. Substances that help strengthen immunity include protein, vitamins (A, C, D, E) and minerals (zinc, iron, selenium).

Protein is one of the body’s basic nutrients, playing an extremely important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. They are the main raw material for producing antibodies – “warriors” that protect the body by recognizing and neutralizing harmful agents. Protein molecules are considered the “bricks” that build immune cells, thereby helping the body fight against the invasion of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.

In particular, lactoferrin is an important protein, playing a key role in the natural immune system. With its strong binding ability to iron molecules, lactoferrin “fights” for iron with pathogenic bacteria strains, thereby inhibiting their growth. This helps protect the body better and makes Lactoferrin one of the body’s top essential immune factors. Lactoferrin is found in abundance in colostrum – a special and nutritious “first milk” produced by mammals in the first few days after birth. This is the preferred starting nutrient in strengthening the body’s immune system. For the reason that not only does it contain lactoferrin, colostrum also contains high levels of antibodies and immune factors. According to research by Theng Choon Ooi et al. (2023), colostrum supplementation can cause changes in metabolism, reduce the expression of many inflammatory mediators, thereby improving immune function in the elderly, promoting healthy aging. 

In addition to protein, vitamins and minerals also play an important role in strengthening the immune system. Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, E and D, along with water-soluble vitamin C, are powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and improve the body’s resistance. In addition, minerals such as zinc and selenium are also involved in many important immune processes. Deficiencies in any vitamin or mineral can reduce the body’s ability to fight disease, making the body susceptible to health problems.

Vitamins (A, C, D, E) play an extremely important role in strengthening the body’s immunity

Although not directly involved in immune responses, fiber plays an important role in maintaining a healthy intestinal microflora. The intestinal microflora contains billions of beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics, which act as a protective barrier for the body, preventing the invasion of pathogenic bacteria. Fiber is the main food source for these beneficial bacteria, allowing them to thrive and creating a balanced intestinal environment. A healthy intestinal microflora could strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation and protect the body from many diseases.

To maintain a healthy immune system, supplementing these nutrients through the diet is essential. Protein sources can be provided from animals such as fish, meat, eggs, milk or plants from beans and nuts. Vegetables, fruits are foods that supplement vitamins and fiber for the body in the daily diet. Seafood such as shrimp, crab, fish, oysters, etc. ensure important trace minerals to help maintain a healthy immune system.

Supplement essential nutrients through a nutritious diet

3. Create nutritional plan to support immune enhancement for the elderly

Nutritional plan to support immune enhancement for the elderly needs to be created with a diverse diet, full of nutrients. Meals should have enough protein, sugar, fat according to the body’s needs, then supplement vitamins, fiber, or supplement some beneficial bacteria such as probiotics. In particular, the digestive system of the elderly is often weaker than that of young people, so food should be processed with appropriate methods, limit raw vegetables and need to divide into many small meals during the day for easy absorption.

The diet of the elderly needs to be varied and nutritionally balanced

In addition to the daily diet, the elderly can supplement nutritional products to support increased resistance. Especially products with colostrum containing all the essential nutrients for a healthy immune system.

ColosCare Adult nutritional products are an optimal solution to increase resistance and protect the health of the elderly. The product is researched and manufactured by the National Medical Nutrition Brand Nutricare, meeting the nutritional needs of the elderly in Vietnam. ColosCare Adult contains colostrum that provides an exceptionally high content of natural IgG 1200+ antibodies, enabling an increase in the body’s resistance. This is a multi-purpose antibody that allows the immune system to remember antigens, helping the body respond quickly when exposed again. In addition, the colostrum in the product also contains Lactoferrin – a compound that has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating effects combined with probiotics (including two groups of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) to support infections reduced by limiting the invasion of bacteria and viruses that cause disease. In addition, ColosCare Adult adds Beta-Glucan, which helps enhance T-cell function and enhance the effectiveness of the immune system as well as respiratory health. With a rich source of nutrients, rich in protein, minerals and vitamins, the product not only enhances the immune system but also supports the health of muscles, bones and joints with MUFA, PUFA that are good for the heart. Elderly people taking 2-3 cups of ColosCare Adult mixed properly every day provides enough nutrition for the body, thereby strengthening resistance and improving overall health.

In addition, choosing fresh and delicious food that ensures food hygiene and safety is also very important. Food must be thoroughly checked for quality, not damaged or spoiled, without strange smell, color, or taste. The expiration date of food must also be carefully considered, giving priority to products with a long expiration date and newly produced. The origin of food must be clear, from reputable suppliers, and there must be no signs of counterfeiting or poor quality.

Food safety guarantee for the elderly

Finally, engaging in light physical activity is essential for older adults, not only to improve sleep quality and reduce feelings of anxiety, but also to reduce blood pressure and the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Research shows that getting the recommended amount of activity (7.5–15 hours per week, equivalent to 2.5–5 hours/day of moderate-intensity activity or 1.25–2.5 hours/day of vigorous activity) significantly reduces the risk of 7 of the 15 studied cancers: colon, breast, endometrial, kidney, multiple myeloma, liver, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Older adults should participate in physical activities properly to improve their health

Conclusion: Nutrition plays an important role in strengthening the immune system of the elderly. Combining a reasonable diet with a scientific lifestyle, including participating in light physical activities may allow the elderly to improve their health, prevent diseases and maintain a strong immune system.

References:

1.https://www.vinmec.com/vie/bai-viet/huong-dan-chon-thuc-pham-tang-cuong-he-mien-dich

2.https://www.vinmec.com/vie/bai-viet/tuoi-tac-lao-hoa-anh-huong-den-he-mien-dich-cua-ban-nhu-nao-vi

3.Talley, S., Nguyen, T., Van Ye, L., Valiauga, R., DeCarlo, J., Mustafa, J., Cook, B., White, F. A., & Campbell, E. M. (2024). Characterization of age-associated inflammasome activation reveals tissue specific differences in transcriptional and post-translational inflammatory responses. Immunity & Ageing, 21, 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12979-024-00355-x

4.https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging/articles/10.3389/fragi.2020.602108/full#B4

5.https://vnvc.vn/cach-tang-cuong-he-mien-dich/

6.https://vda.org.vn/dinh-duo%CC%83ng-khoa-ho%CC%A3c-giup-tang-cuong-he%CC%A3-mie%CC%83n-di%CC%A3ch/

7. https://www.vinmec.com/vie/bai-viet/the-nao-la-khang-nguyen-khang-the-vi

8. https://www.vinmec.com/vie/bai-viet/lactoferrin-co-vai-tro-gi-trong-he-mien-dich-vi

9.https://www.vinmec.com/vie/bai-viet/vitamin-nao-tan-trong-nuoc-va-tan-trong-chat-beo-vi

10.https://firi.vn/tin-tuc/can-thiep-dinh-duong-som-voi-kem-selen-va-vitamin-d-de-nang-cao-suc-de-khang-chong-lai-su-tien-trien-cua-covid-19/

11.https://www.vinmec.com/vie/bai-viet/loi-khuan-la-gi-vai-tro-cua-loi-khuan-vi

12.https://www.vinmec.com/vie/bai-viet/vai-tro-cua-chat-xo-voi-co-vi

13.https://daidoanket.vn/che-do-dinh-duong-giup-tang-cuong-mien-dich-mua-lanh-10184061.html

14. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/14/3184

 

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