A Review of the Role Micronutrient Status in the Elderly Plays in Their Immune Response to Viral Respiratory Infections and the Potential Compromising Effects Medications Might Cause

Abstract

The elderly are a growing proportion of the global population. They are more susceptible to non-communicable diseases and respiratory viral diseases like influenza and covid19, which may lead to increased levels of morbidity and mortality than those of a younger generation. It is also reported that co-morbidities, especially diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease contribute significantly to the prognosis with these types of infections. That the immune system operates in a less efficient way as an individual ages, is now well understood and likely contributes significantly to this situation. The role of certain micronutrients in maintaining a healthy immune system is well recognised and demonstrated to play an important role both in preventing and controlling infection. However, for a number of reasons many elderly individuals have a less than optimal intake of many of the micronutrients that support the immune system. This review examines the contributory roles an aging immune system, suboptimal intake of micronutrients, comorbidities and the impact of the intake of medications typically used to treat them can play in the outcome of viral respiratory infections. It identifies the need for supplementation, especially in the elderly to support the immune system.