---
title: Recent Review Explores Potential Role of Micronutrients to Support Immunosenescence and the Gut Microbiome
description: Immunosenescence weakens immune function with age, and vitamins C and D, zinc, selenium, and gut microbiome health may help counter it.
---

[Evidence-based Wellness Education](https://www.casi.org/articles)

# [Recent Review Explores Potential Role of Micronutrients to Support Immunosenescence and the Gut Microbiome](https://www.casi.org/articles/recent-review-explores-potential-role-of-micronutrients)

 Written by [Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT](https://www.casi.org/articles/author/cory-ambrose-nd-mat) | Nov 23, 2022, 5:00:00 AM

[Immunosenescence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36079732/) is a term describing the changes that occur to the immune system during the aging process. This may involve altered inflammatory and metabolic processes, reductions in T cell activity, and increased susceptibility to [infectious disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/). Certain [age-related chronic illnesses](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36079732/) have been linked to decreases in immune function and increases in circulating reactive oxygen species (ROS). 

The process of immunosenescence affects many immune functions, including losses of B lymphocytes, [diminished T-cell receptor diversity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/), and attenuated immune cell output from bone marrow. The function of neutrophils, [macrophages](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/), and natural killer (NK) cells can also become impaired. A recently published [review article](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) explored the potential supportive role of the gut microbiome and certain nutraceuticals in the presence of immunosenescence.

The gut microbiome helps support many aspects of immune function. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by certain gut microbes help support immunoglobulin A production and mucosal barrier integrity, and help increase [tight junction](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) proteins. The SCFA [butyrate](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) has been shown to help modify histone activity to support epithelial gene expression. A metabolite from *Bacteroides fragilis* helps support the [differentiation of T cells](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/). In [animal studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/), reductions in lymphocytes, immunoglobulin production, and lymphoid organ sizes have been observed in germ-free mouse models. 

[Nutritional status](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) may help influence immune health during the aging process. In a clinical study involving supplementation with 1,000 mg of [vitamin C](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) daily for 6 weeks in elderly women, decreases in interleukin (IL)-6 and increases in messenger RNA of IL-10 were reported. Increases in [phagocytosis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) and oxidative burst by granulocytes were observed in another 6-week clinical trial involving 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily in individuals between 45 and 60 years of age with type 2 diabetes mellitus and poor glycemic control. The restoration of certain aspects of [immune health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) was observed in a trial involving elderly individuals who received 500 mg of vitamin C daily for 6 months. 

Vitamin D has been shown to support immune function through multiple pathways. It may help promote the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages and help support [superoxide production](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) and phagocytosis. A [clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) involving healthy adults between 40 and 55 years of age reported attenuations of seasonal increases in T-cell production of interferon-gamma in the presence of 10 µg of vitamin D daily. 

Certain minerals, including [zinc](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/), may help support the aging process. Deficiencies in zinc and selenium have been linked to reductions in [NK cells](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) among older women. A [trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) involving older individuals residing in nursing homes reported increases in helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and lymphocyte production in the presence of 45 mg zinc daily for 3 months. A randomized clinical trial in elderly individuals involving 400 µg of selenium daily reported increases in NK cell activity and increases in CD4+ T cells. 

More studies are needed, particularly in clinical populations. However, [research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/) indicates that certain micronutrients may help support the body’s response to immunosenescence. Certain minerals and vitamins C and D may also help support antioxidative status, immune health, a normal inflammatory response, and [healthy aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36183242/).

[View full post](https://www.casi.org/articles/recent-review-explores-potential-role-of-micronutrients)

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