The pharmacological effects of novel nutrients on the immune system

Abstract

The role of novel nutrients that appear to have pharmacological effects on the immune system has been studied over the past 20 years. This area of research has been termed immunonutrition. This paper provides an overview of particular novel nutrients--argtnine, glutamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and nucleotides--and examines some of the evidence for the effects that they may have on immune function. The benefits to particular patient groups are also considered (Box 1).