Could „E“ be for immunity?

Dietary Vitamin E May Protect Against Pneumonia in Aging Population

No one likes getting sick. A case of the flu might mean a few days in bed for some, but for others, infection can be fatal. Pneumonia, a lung infection, results in about 1.6 million deaths worldwide each year, and is a particular concern for the older population. As we age, our bodies’ immune systems weaken and we become more susceptible to disease. This is partially due to low-grade chronic inflammation and impaired immune responses that go hand-in-hand with aging.

Vitamin E, an antioxidant, has been shown to enhance specific components of the immune system that tend to weaken as people age.

In a study of 2014 researchers found hints that adding extra vitamin E to the diet might help older adults ward off pneumonia. Researchers propose vitamin E helped reduce the lung inflammation associated with pneumonia, specifically by reducing the proinflammatory neutrophil (white blood cell) response to infection. Inflammation can hinder the clearance of bacteria from the body, so vitamin E may be a way to prevent harmful inflammation from occurring.

Furthermore, vitamin E appeared to help prevent brain damage and weight loss associated with pneumonia.

Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils provide some of the best sources of dietary vitamin E. Good sources include safflower oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter. Lots of fruits and vegetables pack vitamin E as well, including avocado, spinach, sweet potato, pumpkin, red pepper, kiwi, mango, asparagus, and broccoli. Try adding these foods to your diet to bump up your vitamin E and boost your immune system, especially if you are an older adult.

BONUS: Want more tips to ramp up your immune system? In a 2011 study, David Nieman, PhD, scientist at the North Carolina Research Institute, found exercising five days a week and eating three servings of fruit per day was linked to fewer sick days.

Your Dole Team