Micronutrients, Immunity and Infection

Many micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) have clearly identified roles in supporting the function of cells of the immune system. People with micronutrient deficiencies often have immune impairments and are susceptible to infections and to infections being severe, even fatal. In such individuals, micronutrient supplements can reverse immune impairments and reduce the risk of infections. Nevertheless, the relationships between micronutrient status, immunity, and infection are complex: some micronutrients that are required by the immune system, such as iron, can also increase the risk of certain infections, probably because those micronutrients favor pathogen growth and survival. Furthermore, the acute phase response to infections alters micronutrient metabolism. This makes understanding of the relationship between micronutrient status and infection more complicated. COVID-19 increased interest in micronutrients, including vitamins C and D and zinc, amongst others, in the context of immunity and infection, but the findings of different studies have been inconsistent, highlighting the complexity of this field.

This Research Topic welcomes manuscript submissions on micronutrients, immunity, and infection. These may be mechanistic studies conducted in controlled settings such as in cell culture or experimental animals, human epidemiological studies, and trials in human participants and patients evaluating relationships between micronutrient exposure, immune outcomes, and infection and the underlying mechanisms.