Understanding the Role of Dietary Supplements in Enhancing Immune Function
Interest in dietary supplements that can boost immune function and reduce the risk of infectious diseases has surged, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The immune system consists of innate and adaptive responses, with the former serving as the first line of defense and the latter engaging later. The innate immune system includes physical barriers like the skin and gut epithelium, as well as white blood cells that attempt to eliminate foreign pathogens. On the other hand, the adaptive immune system utilizes pathogen-specific B and T cells to generate immunological “memory” for rapid response upon subsequent exposure.