Trace Elements in Medicine (Moscow)
2017, 18(4): 49−51
SHORT COMMUNICATION

EFFECTS OF PERSONALIZED CORRECTION OF TRACE ELEMENT STATUS ON HUMAN IMMUNE FUNCTION

L.N. Chernova

Department of Medical Elementology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Miklukho-Maklaya str.6, Moscow, 117198, Russia

DOI: 10.19112/2413-6174-2017-18-49-51 

ABSTRACT. Many studies have shown that the deficiency of trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iron, iodine, copper leads to suppression of the immune function, affecting both cellular and humoral immune responses. Imbalance is manifested by increased susceptibility to infections with elevated morbidity and mortality rates in children and adults. Eating habits, smoking, alcohol, chronic diseases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, elderly age influence the concentrations of trace elements. Correction of trace element status in frequently ill persons is necessary to maintain the body's natural defense. Based on the data from people with recurrent infectious diseases obtained from ANO "Center for Biotic Medicine" an analysis of personalized treatment effectiveness was performed. Data were taken from electronic health records of 35 patients (12 men and 23 women), median age 39, who underwent examination and personalized correction of trace element status in the Center for 3-4 months. Allergic manifestations (45%), body weight deficit/overweight (25.7% and 11.4%), nail structure abnormalities (22.9%), alopecia (31.4%), neurotic reactions (11.4%), headaches (22.9%), fatigue (25.7%), sleep disorders (37.1%), hypothyroidism (14.3%) were also reported. The analysis of the content of trace elements in hair using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealed deficiencies of Zn, Se, Si, Cu, J, K, Na, Mg. Max decreases were observed in Zn and Se levels. Zn is an essential trace element, participating in cytosolic protection against oxidative stress; activating cellular components of innate immunity (eg, phagocytosis intensity by macrophages and neutrophils, NK cell activity). Se, an essential trace element, is a part of selenoproteins. Se plays an important role in the regulation of chronic inflammation, maintenance of immune function and prevention of excessive immune reactions. The patients were treated with needed trace elements bio additives. There were noted improvements in the frequency of acute respiratory viral infection in 74.3% of patients, allergic manifestations – 35.7%, weight deficit – 22.2%, nail structure – 50%, alopecia – 27.3%, neurotic reactions – 50%, headaches – 37.5%, increased fatigue – 33.3%, sleep disorders – 61.6%, hypothyroidism – 40%. 3-4 month course of personalized correction led to a significant increase of hair Zn level, normalization of Se level. The number of people with low hair J level decreased from 14.3 to 7%, Mg from 42 to 28%, K from 19 to 5%. It should be mentioned that these changes were noted after 3-4 months of personalized correction of trace element status. Longer courses of therapy combined with lifestyle changes such as nutrition correction, weight management strategies, refusal of cigarettes and alcohol, intensification of physical activity, monitoring of chronic diseases will allow to more effectively eliminate imbalances of trace elements and enhance the immune function.

KEYWORDS: trace elements, imbalance, recurrent respiratory infections, personalized treatment