Cited by 334Trace Elements in HealthIron Metabolism and DisordersNutrition and Health in Aging

The immune system and the impact of zinc during aging

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Haase, Hajo, Rink, Lothar·2009·Immunity & Ageing

Abstract

The trace element zinc is essential for the immune system, and zinc deficiency affects multiple aspects of innate and adaptive immunity. There are remarkable parallels in the immunological changes during aging and zinc deficiency, including a reduction in the activity of the thymus and thymic hormones, a shift of the T helper cell balance toward T helper type 2 cells, decreased response to vaccination, and impaired functions of innate immune cells. Many studies confirm a decline of zinc levels with age. Most of these studies do not classify the majority of elderly as zinc deficient, but even marginal zinc deprivation can affect immune function. Consequently, oral zinc supplementation demonstrates the potential to improve immunity and efficiently downregulates chronic inflammatory responses in the elderly. These data indicate that a wide prevalence of marginal zinc deficiency in elderly people may contribute to immunosenescence.

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Authors
Haase, H., & Rink, L.
Affiliations
RWTH Aachen University (DE)
Corresponding author
Rink, Lothar
Venue
Immunity & Ageing
Published
2009-06-12
Volume
6
Issue
1
Pages
9-9
ISSN
1742-4933 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2124890716
Cited by
334
References
157
Citations by year
2026: 14 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 18 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 30 · 2021: 38 · 2020: 31 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 17 · 2013: 16 · 2012: 28
FWCI
19.04
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Immunity & Ageing (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
  • RWTH Publications (RWTH Aachen) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Trace Elements in Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Hematology › Iron Metabolism and Disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Nutrition and Health in Aging
Keywords
zinc, zinc deficiency, immunosenescence, aging, innate immunity, adaptive immunity, thymus, T helper cells, Th2 shift, vaccine response, oral zinc supplementation, chronic inflammation, older adults

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