Nutrition and immunity: perspectives on key issues and next steps

In January 2022, a group of experts came together to discuss current perspectives and future directions in nutritional immunology as part of a symposium organized by the Canadian Nutrition Society. Objectives included (1) creating an understanding of the complex interplay between diet and the immune system from infants through to older adults, (2) illustrating the role of micronutrients that are vital to the immune system, (3) learning about current research comparing the impact of various dietary patterns and novel approaches to reduce inflammation, autoimmune conditions, allergies, and infections, and (4) discussing select dietary recommendations aimed at improving disease-specific immune function. The aims of this review are to summarize the symposium and to identify key areas of research that require additional exploration to better understand the dynamic relationship between nutrition and immune function.

Automated summary

In January 2022, experts gathered to discuss the current state and future directions of nutritional immunology. The objectives of the symposium were to understand the relationship between diet and the immune system, highlight the role of micronutrients, compare the impact of different dietary patterns and novel approaches on inflammation, autoimmune conditions, allergies, and infections, and discuss dietary recommendations for improving disease-specific immune function. This review aims to summarize the symposium and identify key areas of research for a better understanding of the dynamic relationship between nutrition and immune function.