Recently, optimal immune function has become a primary focus of worldwide attention not only in the prevention of chronic disease but also as one strategy to reduce the severity of acute illness. In ammation, a process largely controlled by the immune system, has long been studied and recognized for its role in chronic disease. Optimizing immune function or managing in ammation using individual nutrients and phytonutrients is not well understood by the average person. Thus, this narrative literature review summarizes many of the more recent ndings about how certain nutrients and phytonutrients a ect immune function and in ammation, and how they may best be utilized considering the growing worldwide interest in this topic.
