The role of vitamin E in immune response and disease resistance

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1990:587:24-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1990.tb00130.x.

Abstract

Vitamin E supplementation enhances humoral and cell-mediated immunity, and augments the efficiency of phagocytosis in laboratory animals, farm animals, and humans. In its disease protection effect vitamin E interacts with other antioxidant nutrients and with other nutrients in the diet. Other antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin A and beta carotene, also enhance disease resistance. Beta carotene is effective in combination with vitamin E. The optimal dose of vitamin E for maximum protection depends on many factors; thus it has to be established case by case. The delivery system of vitamin E greatly influences its effectiveness. A targeted delivery to localized immunocompetent cells in adjuvant formulations is far more effective than a general dispersed delivery in a diet. Vitamin E adjuvants provided greater immunoprotection against enterotoxemia and epididymitis in sheep than conventional vaccines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Carotenoids / pharmacology
  • Food, Fortified
  • Humans
  • Immunity / drug effects*
  • Phagocytosis / drug effects
  • Vitamin A / pharmacology
  • Vitamin E / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin E / pharmacology*
  • beta Carotene

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • beta Carotene
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E
  • Carotenoids