Voeding en immuniteit: kan voeding bijdragen aan het voorkomen van allergie, infectie en ontsteking?

Abstract

The role of nutrition for a well-functioning immune system is becoming increasingly clear. A wellbalanced diet can contribute to the prevention of diseases in early life (allergies, infections) and in late life (inflammation, infections). The importance of macroand micronutrients for the immune system is well established. We are also learning more and more about dietary components that can have specific effects on the immune system. These are probiotics, prebiotics, dietary fiber, breast milk(components), fatty acids (PUFA and SCFA) and antioxidants. These components can directly influence cells of the immune system, but can also have indirect effects via the intestinal epithelium and the microbiota. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge in this area, with a focus on the potential role of nutrition in preventing allergy, infection and inflammation.