Chen, O., Mah, E., Dioum, E., Marwaha, A., . . . Chu, Y. (2021). The role of oat nutrients in the immune system: A narrative review. Nutrients, 13(4), 1048. doi:10.3390/nu13041048

Abstract:

Optimal nutrition is the foundation for the development and maintenance of a healthy immune system. An optimal supply of nutrients is required for biosynthesis of immune factors and immune cell proliferation. Nutrient deficiency/inadequacy and hidden hunger, which manifests as depleted nutrients reserves, increase the risk of infectious diseases and aggravate disease severity. Therefore, an adequate and balanced diet containing an abundant diversity of foods, nutrients, and non-nutrient chemicals is paramount for an optimal immune defense against infectious diseases, including cold/flu and non-communicable diseases. Some nutrients and foods play a larger role than others in the support of the immune system. Oats are a nutritious whole grain and contain several immunomodulating nutrients. In this narrative review, we discuss the contribution of oat nutrients, including dietary fiber (β-glucans), copper, iron, selenium, and zinc, polyphenolics (ferulic acid and avenanthramides), and proteins (glutamine) in optimizing the innate and adaptive immune system’s response to infections directly by modulating the innate and adaptive immunity and indirectly by eliciting changes in the gut microbiota and related metabolites.

Odintsova, V., Klimenko, N., Tyakht, A., Volokh, O., . . . Berezhnaya, Y. (2021). Yogurt fortified with vitamins and probiotics impacts the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections but not gut microbiome: A multicenter double-blind placebo controlled randomized study. Journal of Functional Foods, 83, 104572. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2021.104572

Abstract:

Probiotics and vitamins can impact immune responses and modulate gut microbiome. We evaluated the effects of consuming a yogurt fortified with vitamins and probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei and rhamnosus on upper respiratory tract infections frequency and gut microbiome during a 3-month intervention. The study included 2 case groups (consuming different flavours) and a placebo group of healthy adults (n = 158–160 in each group). The effects on URTI-related parameters in both case groups were gender-specific. The female subjects had lower URTI incidence and frequency, while for the males no significant differences were found. The URTI duration was shorter in one of the probiotic groups for females and in both such groups - for males. The observed changes in microbiome composition, blood and stool parameters were not different from those observed in the placebo group. Consumption of fortified fermented dairy foods is promising for improving immunity status within the general population.