Your immune system changes as you get older, just like the rest of your body. Over time, the way your body produces immune cells and responds to new challenges can change.
These immune system changes with age are known as immunosenescence. It happens gradually and differently for everyone, influenced by ageing, nutrition, lifestyle and overall health.
Understanding how ageing affects the immune system can help us better understand the changes that happen over time.
What Is Immunosenescence?
Immunosenescence describes the changes that happen to your immune system as you age. It doesn't mean your immune system stops working. Some parts can simply change in how they function and respond to new challenges.
For example, the thymus becomes less active with age, affecting the production of new T cells. T cells, B cells and other immune cells can also change in their diversity and responsiveness.
Immunosenescence is a natural part of ageing, not a disease.
Why Does Immune Function Change With Age?
Ageing and immune system function are closely connected. Both innate and adaptive immunity can change with age, affecting how the body responds to different challenges.
Ageing is also linked with changes in inflammatory regulation, including a gradual increase in low-grade inflammation known as inflammageing.
The factors affecting immune function with age can include genetics, nutrition, lifestyle, previous infections and overall health.
What Happens Inside an Ageing Immune System?
As we age, some immune cells may not be produced or respond quite as they did earlier in life.
- T cells: The thymus becomes less active, while T-cell diversity and responsiveness can change.
- B cells: Their activity and antibody responses can change.
- Innate immune cells: Their activity can also change with age.
So, it's not simply about having a “weaker” immune system. It's a changing immune system.
Nutrients Linked to Immune Health in Later Life
Your immune system needs a range of vitamins and minerals to function normally. A varied, balanced diet can help provide them.
|
Nutrient |
Role |
Food sources |
|
Vitamin C |
Healthy immune system function |
Citrus fruits, peppers, berries |
|
Vitamin D |
Healthy immune system function |
Oily fish, eggs, fortified foods |
|
Zinc |
Healthy immune system function |
Meat, shellfish, chickpeas, nuts |
|
Selenium |
Healthy immune system function |
Fish, eggs, wholegrains, Brazil nuts |
|
Vitamin E |
Protection from oxidative stress |
Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils |
Nutritional needs can vary from person to person as dietary habits change with age.
Everyday Habits That Support Healthy Ageing
Nutrition is only part of the picture. Staying active, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and avoiding smoking can all contribute to overall health.
These habits can't stop immunosenescence, but they can help support immune health with age and contribute to healthy ageing.
Supporting Immune Health With Vitabiotics
A balanced diet is the foundation of good nutrition, but supplements can provide additional nutrients when needed.
Vitabiotics offers formulations such as Immunace Forte, Immunace 30 and Immunal, providing nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and selenium that contribute to normal immune system function.
The aim is simple: to help maintain good nutritional intake as your needs change over time.
If you are undergoing medical treatment, taking medication or have an underlying health condition, speak to your doctor before taking supplements.
FAQs
What exactly is immunosenescence?
Immunosenescence simply means the natural changes that happen to your immune system as you get older. Your immune system may not respond to new challenges in quite the same way it did before. It’s a normal part of ageing.
How does ageing affect the immune system?
Several things can change. For example, the thymus becomes less active, and there can also be changes in T cells, B cells and other immune cells.
Can you prevent or reverse immunosenescence?
Not completely. It’s a natural part of ageing. What you can do is focus on healthy habits - eat well, stay active and get enough sleep to support your health with additional nutritional support as you get older.
Can my diet help support my immune health as I age?
It can certainly play a part. A varied, balanced diet provides the nutrients your immune system needs to function normally. Where needed, supplements such as Immunace Forte, Immunace 30 and Immunal can provide additional nutritional support.
