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In the news: Experts Advise on Nutrients & Immunity More Flavanols for Better Blood Pressure

Swiss Panel on Nutrients & Immune Function

An expert panel of Swiss physicians and professors in cooperation with the Swiss Society of Nutrition has published recommendations on Swiss and European nutrient needs for a well-functioning immune system with a special focus on viral infections(1).

The panel stresses the importance of following a well-balanced diet, but also points out that dietary changes are a long-term endeavor and therefore recommends a complement of supplemental nutrients. The panel’s guidance aims to help fill nutrient gaps, especially for those 65 and older. It includes:

Vitamin D

The paper states that “Vitamin D deficiency or inadequacy /suboptimal [levels] is associated with a general dysregulation of the innate and adaptive immune system as well as increased levels of inflammation. The authors emphasize a recent review reporting that that daily or weekly supplementation with vitamin D reduced the incidence of acute respiratory tract infections. 2000 IU daily is recommended. Note: 2000 IU is higher than our Daily Value of 800 IU, though it’s well within the safety range as the Upper intake Level (UL) for vitamin D is 4000 IU/day.

Vitamin C

According to the paper, vitamin C deficiency increases the susceptibility to infections such as pneumonia and plasma levels decrease during an acute infection like pneumonia. Since vitamin C levels decrease with stress and diseases, ensuring adequate vitamin C intake is important Supplementation with 200 mg/day is recommended.”

DHA & EPA

The authors state that adequate intakes show a role in lessening the adverse effects of inflammation. The compounds made from these fatty acids support the resolution of inflammation. The paper recommends 500 mg of DHA + EPA daily. Note: Oomega-3 fatty acids status in the Swiss population is insufficient, and intake in the US is also much lower than many organizations recommend.

Selenium

Selenium influences the immune response largely through its action in compounds (selenoproteins) that function as cellular antioxidants and, according to the authors, it also influences the production of cytokines which are important in cell signaling. 50 to 100 mcg daily is recommended. Note: While low selenium is common in Switzerland and other European countries, most Americans consume an adequate amount. However, 50-100 mcg daily is within the safety range, with a UL of 400 mcg.

Zinc

Zinc affects both the innate and the adaptive immune systems, and suboptimal zinc status and/or deficiency is known to reduce the effectiveness of various immune cells. Zinc deficiency also favors an inflammatory response and oxidative stress. The recommendation is 10 mg. daily. Note: Poor zinc levels are common in elderly Swiss, (especially those in care homes), and the same applies in the US.

More Flavanols For Better Blood Pressure

Flavanols, a type of flavonoid found grapes, red wine, tea and cocoa, have been shown to improve blood vessel function in intervention studies. In a new study(2), researchers looked at the relationship between flavanols and blood pressure in over 25,000 participants in a larger study. The new study was unique in that they measured biomarkers of the flavonoid in blood to indicate intake, a much more accurate measure.

Those with the highest intake (biomarker levels) had lower systolic blood pressure – levels comparable to what’s achieved by following a Mediterranean Diet or moderately reducing salt intake.

References

1. Berger M, et al. White paper on Nutritional status in supporting a well-functioning immune system for optimal health with a recommendation for Switzerland. Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Ernährung, Société Suisse de Nutrition, Società Svizzera di Nutrizione. 2020.
2. Ottaviani J, et al. Biomarker-estimated flavan-3-ol intake is associated with lower blood pressure in cross-sectional analysis in EPIC Norfolk. Sci Reports. Oct. 21, 2020.