ABSTRACT
The aging process can lead to a decline in cellular immunity. Therefore, the elderly could benefit from safe and effective interventions that restore cellular immune functions. We determined whether dietary formula with known immunostimulate nutrients such as whey protein, soy bean, germinated wheat, Brewers yeast and Carrots, could enhance aspects of cellular immunity in healthy elderly subjects. Thirty-six healthy elderly volunteers [age range 60-70 yr] participated in the study. Dietary intake of nutrients was assessed by means of three separate 24-h dietary recalls method and food frequency questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained to determine the baseline values of CD[+4] and CD[+8] and the serum levels of IgG, IgA, IgM. The functional biscuits were given to volunteers and the same parameters were reevaluated after 4 wks. CD[+4] cells representing helper/inducer cells increased and CD[+8] cells representing suppressor cytotoxic T cells significantly decreased when measured in subjects blood after consumption of functional biscuits than the baseline. We also measured the level of serum immunoglobulins including IgG, IgA, and IgM. The levels of IgG and IgA tended to be higher in elderly subjects but low effects on IgM. Our results together with other reports suggest that improvement of the nutritional status in elderly subjects may lead to the enhanced immune function