Zinc is an important trace element in our body, needed for:
-Cell Division and Growth
-Co-enzyme for 200 over enzymes
-Encourage anti-viral activity
-Anti-inflammatory properties
-Aids wound Healing
-Replication of DNA and RNA transcription
Adequate intake of Zinc is essential to maintain a balanced diet, which contributes to normal immune system response. Zinc boosts the reproduction of T lymphocytes in the body, which ingest foreign objects and bacteria, and is necessary for the body defence mechanism. (Shankar & Prasad, n.d.). Zinc must be consumed in the correct amount; not deficient or overdose, as both will contribute to health risk.
Therefore, adequate zinc intake is important, and with this adequacy, the immune system response of the body can then function at its best. In general, adequate zinc promotes immune system response.
During initial response to infection, free radicals and reactive oxygen molecules are used as weapons against the bacterial invaders by white blood cells. Over production of free radicals may lead to damage in white blood cells and neighboring tissues and cells. PMN, a major class of white blood cells when incubated with beta carotene, the bacteria were destroyed leaving the PMN undestroyed. However, if PMN is not incubated with beta carotene, white blood cells will be damaged by its own oxidative products (ANDERSON, R. & THERON, A.J., 1989).
Not only that, it can also cause chromosomal damage to co-cultured cells. Researchers have shown that both beta carotene and vitamin A prevented stress on the thymus gland (SEIFTER, E., RETTURA, G., & LEVINSON, S. M., 1981). It was also shown that there was an increase in T helper cells in people who were given beta carotene supplements. T helper cells help B cells in producing specific antibodies in response to an antigenic challenge.
In conclusion, beta carotenes (Carotenoids) are necessary for maintaining the integrity of white blood cells, and thereby continue to prolong white blood cells’ functioning, and promoting immune system response.
Laughter↑Immune System Response
ps/ keep laughing:)