Trace minerals and the immune system

Impacts on the use of immune modulators and vaccine response

Abstract

The functions of trace mineral-dependent enzymes impact every aspect of the complex immune response. This includes, but is not limited to, the chemical components (interferon and interleukin), the innate cellular functionality (neutrophil and macrophage) as well as the acquired immune response (T-cell and B-cell functionality). Disease management relies significantly on the use of vaccines and more recently on non-specific immune modulators. Understanding the role of the different minerals will enable practitioners to identify when and how trace mineral supplementation may be required for optimal immune function.