Micronutrients and innate immunity

Micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, beta-carotene, vitamin s A, C, and E, and folic acid can influence several components of innate im munity. Select micronutrients play an important role in alteration of oxida nt-mediated tissue injury, and phagocytic cells produce reactive oxidants a s part of the defense against infectious agents. Thus, adequate micronutrie nts are required to prevent damage of cells participating in innate immunit y. Deficiencies in zinc and vitamins A and D may reduce natural killer cell function, whereas supplemental zinc or vitamin C may enhance their activit y. The specific effects of micronutrients on neutrophil functions are not c lear. Select micronutrients may play a role in innate immunity associated w ith some disease processes. Future studies should focus on issues such as a ge-related micronutrient status and innate immunity, alterations of micronu trients in disease states and their effect on innate immunity, and the mech anisms by which micronutrients alter innate immunity.