ascorbic-acid and Immunologic-Deficiency-Syndromes

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; C-Reactive Protein; Child; Common Cold; Communicable Diseases; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Immunocompetence; Immunoglobulins; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Micronutrients; Nutritional Requirements; Phagocytosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamin D; Vitamin E

Moderate submaximal exercise results in neutrophilia and enhanced phagocytic and oxidative capacity of neutrophils. It has been hypothesized, however, that during intensive exercise and periods of intensive training this pro-oxidative effect becomes suppressive. Vitamin C is widely recognized for its antioxidant function in extracellular fluid, and it has been shown to neutralize O2-, HOCl, and .OH and to attenuate the suppression of phagocytic function. Clinical manifestation of reduced neutrophil function following participation in ultramarathon races has, however, not been observed. Although neutrophils constitute 50-60% of leukocytes and although they are the first line of defense to bacteriological invasion, postrace episodes of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) are not correlated with a decrement in the function of this individual parameter of immune function. The efficacy of Vitamin C supplements in reducing the incidence of postrace URTI symptoms, therefore, cannot be fully explained at this stage.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Clinical Trials as Topic; Disease Susceptibility; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Incidence; Leukocyte Count; Neutrophils; Phagocytosis; Respiratory Burst; Respiratory Tract Infections; Risk; Running

Nutritional status conditions immunity in man whom malnutrition is often associated with diminished immunocompetence and increased susceptibility to infection. Among micronutrients, vitamins A, C, E and carotenoids notably have special influence: they provide good cellular and tissular physiological behaviour; they also protect tissues against reactive oxygen species, and enhance immune response.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Carotenoids; Humans; Immune System; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Nutritional Requirements; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Fetus; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Inosine Pranobex; Levamisole; Liver Transplantation; T-Lymphocytes; Thymus Gland; Thymus Hormones; Transfer Factor

We report about a boy who suffered from repeated bacterial infections starting at the age of 4 weeks. A severe defect of chemotactic activity of the neutrophils, and an additional deficient phagocytosis were discovered. The child died at the age of 3 months from septicemia. Chemotactic activity could be stimulated in vitro by ascorbic acid and levamisole but not by lithium chloride. In vivo, however, the effect of ascorbic acid was minimal and treatment with this vitamin could not prevent the lethal end.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Chlorides; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Granulocytes; Humans; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Infant; Levamisole; Lithium; Lithium Chloride; Male; Phagocytosis

Specialized "nutritional insurance" supplementation may reduce the risk of many important complications of long-term corticosteroid treatment. Supplementation with calcium, fluoride, activated vitamin D metabolites, and GTF, should help prevent osteoporosis. GTF, vitamin C, zinc and fluoride might help offset the inhibitory effect of corticosteroids on fibroblast and osteoblast function. Diabetic, hyperlipidemic and protein-losing effects might be compensated with supplementary GTF. Antioxidant nutrients could support humoral immunity and neutrophil function, while complementing the anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids. Supplementary magnesium could reduce the risk of nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Amino Acids; Ascorbic Acid; Chromium; Diabetes Mellitus; Double-Blind Method; Fluorides; Food, Fortified; Humans; Hydroxycholecalciferols; Hyperlipidemias; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Nephrocalcinosis; Nicotinic Acids; Nutritional Requirements; Osteoporosis; Selenium; Silicon