Nutrients · 3 authors, 1 centre
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This narrative review synthesizes existing evidence on how specific functional foods, such as dairy proteins and foods enriched with vitamins and minerals, may modulate the human immune system to enhance defense against viral infections. It concludes that diet-derived nutrients and functional foods show potential to boost viral immunity, particularly in high-risk groups.
This is a narrative review synthesizing literature on the immunomodulatory potential of functional foods against viral infections. The review discusses the functional food market in Europe and highlights the relevance for high-risk groups like the elderly, obese, and those with chronic conditions. It outlines four key immune-boosting mechanisms identified from the literature: inhibition of viral proliferation, modulation of innate immune responses, enhancement of specific immune responses, and promotion of intestinal barrier function. Key functional foods discussed include dairy proteins, plant-based foods, fermentates, and foods enriched with vitamin D, zinc, and selenium. The review concludes that diet-derived nutrients and functional foods show immense potential to boost viral immunity in high-risk individuals.
