The exploration of age-related changes in immune function is a relatively recent pursuit. Immunosenescence is a term describing the aging of the immune system. This may involve many complex processes including the reduction of thymic hormones, changes in the number of immature T cells and T cell responses, potentially diminished bactericidal activity, and altered metabolic processes. Certain age-related chronic illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension, have been linked to decreases in immune system function and increases in circulating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent research has explored the potential supportive role of certain nutraceuticals in the presence of immunosenescence in elderly adults.  

A randomized, case-controlled clinical trial by Maselli del Giudice and colleagues investigated the potential efficacy of a supplement consisting of botanicals, probiotics, and vitamins on markers related to the inflammatory response and immune function in elderly individuals. The supplement sachet contained 7.5 mg of zinc, 135 mg of vitamin C, 600 IU of vitamin D, 45 mg of vitamin E, 200 mcg of folic acid, 15 mg of arabinogalactans, 183 mg of elderberry (Sambucus nigra), Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122), and vitamins B2, B6, and B12. Treatment consisted of daily supplementation for 30 days. Biomarkers assessed included interleukin (IL)-6, white cell count, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The treatment group (n = 60) and the elderly control group consisted of individuals 65 years of age and older who were hospitalized for reasons other than cancer. There were two control groups: one consisting of the aforementioned hospitalized individuals >65 years of age (n = 30) and a second group consisting of individuals between the ages of 18 and 50 years (n = 30). The treatment group was broken into two groups: TG1 group (n = 30) in which participants received one supplement sachet and TG2 group (n = 30) in which participants received two supplement sachets.  

The authors reported improvements in treatment groups in lymphocytes, IL-6, and CRP. The benefits continued to be observed at both 6- and 12-weeks post-treatment. Statistical comparisons between the TG1 group and the TG2 group were reported. However, given the relatively small sample size and variability of health status among study participants, further data are needed before clinical applications can be made. Other study limitations include the recruitment process in a hospital setting, the inability to differentiate the efficacy of the individual agents contained in the supplement, and relatively few biomarkers were assessed.  

Overall study conclusions, as reported by the authors, included improvements in the inflammatory and immune responses in the treatment groups, although improvements in the elderly groups were not as robust as in the elderly individuals. The study by Maselli del Giudice and colleagues suggests that more research is warranted regarding the potential efficacy of nutraceuticals on immunosenescence in older individuals. Certain botanicals and vitamins, such as zinc, elderberry, and vitamins C and D may support a healthy response to inflammation, immune health, and antioxidative status. 

By Colleen Ambrose, ND, MAT