Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Functional Foods and Cancer: Cancer Biology and Dietary Factors, Danik M. Martinosyan, Editör, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, London, ss.111-146, 2017
The immune system defends the host organism against various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses,
fungi, and parasites by identifying them via immune cells, antibodies, cytokines and chemokines.
The immune system works in two general systems: innate and acquired immunity. In studying the
roles of both systems with in vitro and ex vivo studies, various factors affecting the proper
maintenance of the immune system have been elucidated. Among these factors, genetics, age,
gender, smoking habits, exercise routine, alcohol consumption, stress, history of infection,
vaccination, and diet are reported be important in determining immune function. Insufficient diet
or non-essential food uptake inhibits the host’s defense mechanisms and renders the host more
susceptible to immune-mediated diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypersensitivity and
flu. Recent studies evaluated the importance of essential amino acids (glutamine and arginine),
fatty acids (linoleic acids, omega-3-fatty acids), minerals (Zn, Fe and Se), and vitamins (vitamin
A, B , E) in proper immune activity. A diet deficient in these nurtrients leads to greater
susceptibility to infection-mediated diseases and immunodeficiency via impaired antibody
function and suppression of T-cell and phagocytic cell activities. Antioxidants and phytonutrients
act as scavengers for free radicals which are generated during infection-mediated inflammation or
wound healing. In addition, probiotics have immunomodulary effects involved in pathogen
defense in the gastrointestinal tract, combatting autoimmune diseases, diarrhea, and food allergies
via triggering Ig-A and interferon secretion and antigen transport during childhood and adulthood.
To conclude, this chapter summarizes the importance of immunomodulatory effects of nutrients
against infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and the essential role of a balanced food intake in
strengthening immune system components