Genolife

The Relationship Between the Immune System and Minerals and Its Importance
Minerals are identified as vital nutrients that the body needs to regulate countless functions, such as building and strengthening our bones, improving muscle and nerve function, serving as components of hormones, and regulating the body’s water balance. This group includes elements such as zinc, copper, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and iron, among others. It is extremely important to maintain a healthy diet, since our bodies cannot synthesize these nutrients; therefore, diet is the only way to obtain them. In addition to the functions mentioned above, minerals play a vital role in the functioning of the immune system. Consequently, they can influence susceptibility to infections and also affect the development of chronic diseases.
MAGNESIUM

It plays a vital role in regulating chemical reactions in our body and signaling between cells. This mineral influences the development of cells known as “lymphocytes,” which in some cases produce the antibodies needed to defend our body; It is also essential for cells that have reached the end of their lifespan or are damaged to undergo a process known as “apoptosis,” thereby preventing negative consequences for our body. Additionally, scientific studies show that magnesium deficiency is associated with chronic inflammation.

IRON

It is a mineral essential for vital human functions; despite its importance, iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient-related disorder in the world and affects approximately 25% of the global population. This deficiency can weaken our immune system, as it affects the proliferation of leukocytes (commonly known as white blood cells) and the antibody response.

ZINC

It performs essential functions in our body, notably its role as an antioxidant that helps regulate “free radicals,” which cells sometimes have to produce to attack invading microorganisms. Furthermore, zinc plays a major role in activating T cells of the immune system through the T-cell receptor; in addition, zinc deficiency can result in reduced maturation of B cells, which can lead to a decrease in antibody production.

COPPER

Copper is needed in small amounts in our bodies to carry out many physiological processes. A healthy balance of copper in our bodies allows us to maintain a strong immune system; scientific studies have shown that copper deficiency leads to a reduction in thymus size and an enlargement of the spleen, in addition to reduced levels of immune system cells. Therefore, increasing plasma copper levels could improve both innate and adaptive immunity in humans.

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