ANTIOXIDANTS

Research scientists reviewed the antioxidant status and the effects of supplementation in ill patients for the most common antioxidant vitamin A, C, & E and the enzyme cofactor trace elements selenium and Zinc. Antioxidant combination therapy seemed logical as they worked in synergy and function as elements of the human antioxidant network (1). But further research has to be done to support these claims but as such the combination therapy of antioxidants may seem to be beneficial.

Vitamin A deficiency may impair innate immunity by threatening normal regeneration of mucosal barriers damaged by infection. This may lead to reduced functioning of neutrophils, macrophages and natural killer cells (2). 

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is a water-soluble vitamin found in a wide variety of plant and animal foods. Evidence suggests that riboflavin is an antioxidant nutrient which may prevent lipid peroxidation and reperfusion oxidative injury (3).

Significant evidence suggests that Vitamin C supplementation in adults and children with a common cold can significantly reduce its duration and severity and relieve cold symptoms (4-5). Furthermore, supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections.

The extent of Vitamin E deficiency in Asian countries including India was reviewed and the data shows inadequate vitamin E status in most age groups, with the prevalence of deficiency reaching 67%, 80%, 56% and 72% in infants, children and adolescents, adults, elderly and pregnant women, respectively, based on varying cut offs. Vitamin E deficiency may lead to anaemia, neuropathy and other health conditions (6).

Zinc is an essential mineral that is involved in several cellular metabolic activities, crucial for catalytic activity of about more than 100 enzymes. Zinc insufficiency may be characterized by impaired immune function, loss of appetite and growth retardation (7).

References

1. Koekkoek, W.A.C.K., van Zanten, A.R.H., 2016. Antioxidant Vitamins and Trace Elements in Critical Illness. Nutr Clin Pract 31, 457–474. https://doi.org/10.1177/0884533616653832
2. Stephensen, C.B., 2001. Vitamin A, infection, and immune function. Annu. Rev. Nutr. 21, 167–192. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.nutr.21.1.167
3. Saedisomeolia, A., Ashoori, M., 2018. Riboflavin in Human Health: A Review of Current Evidences. Adv. Food Nutr. Res. 83, 57–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.afnr.2017.11.002
4. Gombart, A.F., Pierre, A., Maggini, S., 2020. A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System–Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection. Nutrients 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010236
5. Carr, A.C., Maggini, S., 2017. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
6. Malik, A., Eggersdorfer, M., Trilok-Kumar, G., 2019. Vitamin E status in healthy population in Asia: a review of current literature. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000590
7. Zinc Deficiency | National Health Portal of India. Available from: http://www.nutrition-atlas.nin.res.in/nutritionatlas/zinc.php

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