Believe it or not, your state of health impacts your body’s response to the vaccine
By Dr. Jose Dimaano Jr.
Across the world, many countries have stepped up their vaccination efforts. In the Philippines, close to 70 percent of the target population have been vaccinated, with more than four million Filipinos having received their booster doses. Threats of new variants and breakthrough cases continue, however, highlighting the need to stay strong. The national government is targeting to accelerate its booster dose efforts to help more Filipinos get better protection against severe illness from the virus.
Apart from research on vaccine efficacy and side effects, maintaining the habits of good nutrition and consistent physical activity are overlooked factors when it comes to supporting vaccine effectiveness. To help ensure a strong immune system and support vaccine response, here are several important reasons to prioritize healthy habits.
Nutrition is key for immune health.
Proper nutrition supports the body’s ability to respond to an immune challenge, especially upon exposure to a new virus. A variety of vitamins and minerals impact the condition and growth of immune cells, including vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Poor nutrition has been recognized as a potential factor impacting the gradual deterioration of our immune system as we age, emphasizing the need to prioritize healthy eating throughout life.\
Exercise improves immune function.
Physical activity can improve overall health, and research shows that it can have a positive impact on our immunity as well. Regular exercise has been linked to improved vaccination response in older adults, and acute bouts of exercise seem to enhance our body’s immune response to vaccines.
Malnutrition affects many and may impact vaccine response.
Malnutrition can be invisible to the eye. It occurs when the body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs and can happen in both underweight and overweight individuals. Four out of 10 older Filipino adults are at risk of malnutrition, which can lessen muscle mass, and vaccines may be less effective in stimulating effective immune response for those who are undernourished. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to a weakened immune system and greater susceptibility to infection. Some experts propose that correcting nutritional deficiencies may attenuate the age-related changes to the immune system, which contribute to the increased susceptibility and worse outcome observed in elderly COVID-19 patients.
How to Support Good Health
Prioritizing healthy food and beverages is important, and it isnever too late to make dietary improvements, which can have a positive impact on overall and immune health. Following a balanced diet with fruit, vegetables, lean meats, dairy, and healthy fats can help you get key nutrients to support immune health. These are the basic nutrients you need.
• Protein: Protein is needed to build antibodies and immune system cells. Some of the amino acids that make up proteins are important fuels for cells in the immune system. Many older adults do not eat enough protein. In fact, almost half of adults age 50+ fall short of meeting protein recommendations. According to the 2021 SHIELD (Strengthen Health In the ELDerly through nutrition) study by the Changi General Hospital, Singhealth Polyclinics, and Abbott, older adults also require up to 50 percent more protein in their diet compared to a young person.
• Vitamins and minerals: Many micronutrients are needed to keep the body healthy. Vitamins A and D help regulate the immune system, and evidence suggests that vitamin D may play a role in the body’s immune response to respiratory viruses. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that can help protect cells, including immune cells, from damage. Zinc is important in the synthesis of new immune system cells.
Four out of 10 older Filipino adults are at risk of malnutrition, which can lessen muscle mass, and vaccines may be less effective in stimulating effective immune response for those who are undernourished.
• HMB: Research shows that a little-known compound, HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate), is beneficial to muscle health. It’s a naturally occurring compound that helps preserve and build muscle mass by hindering muscle breakdown. Including anoral nutritional supplement that contains HMB to meet the nutritional needs of aging adults can help them fill nutrient gaps in their eating plan and support their immune system.
For people with poor food intake or those who could benefit from nutrition support, nutritional supplements can provide protein, vitamins and minerals that help maintain immune health.
In addition to good nutrition, physical activity is an important contributor to overall health and immune system support. Engaging in regular exercise, including resistance training, can also help maintain muscles and strength. Always speak with your healthcare professional to help find exercises that are right for you and your family, such as regular walks, conditioning exercises like jumps, bodyweight, squats, or lunges, and lifting weights or using resistance bands.
Simple steps like prioritizing good nutrition and engaging in more physical activity can go a long way in helping adults live life strong and aid in how Filipinos respond to vaccines, too.
About the author
Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr. is a nutrition medical director for Asia-Pacific at Abbott.