The role of dietary supplements in prevention of infections

Abstract

Infections are a powerful aggravating agent of health systems over time. In 2016, lower respiratory infections caused
652,572 deaths in children under 5 years of age, 1,080,958 deaths in adults over 70 years and 2,377,697 deaths in patients
of all ages worldwide. The risk factors for these infections are socio-economic, environmental and biological. Despite
the establishment and application of prevention and control measures, infections continue to be a major public health
problem. In recent years, scientific interest in the field of nutrition has turned and contributed to the strengthening of
the human immune system and therefore to the prevention of infections. The micronutrients that carry the strongest
indications that they contribute to the strengthening of the immune system are vitamins A, C, D and zinc. Nurses
as members of the interdisciplinary health care team must train, advise the patient on the usefulness of nutritional
supplements in preventing infections. From the review of the literature, it appears that dietary supplements reduce
the risk of infections, mainly of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. However, it is considered necessary to carry
out further randomized controlled trials, which will investigate the appropriate doses depending on the population
group, as well as the limitations associated with their use.