ReviewCureus2026
Between Deficiency and Excess: The Dual Role of Selected Dietary Supplements in Immune Health.
Review in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
The immune system is a complex, tightly regulated network maintaining host defense, self-tolerance, and physiological homeostasis. Its effectiveness depends on the coordination of innate and adaptive responses, both significantly influenced by nutritional status. Recently, dietary supplements have gained attention as modulators of immune function, particularly in populations at risk of micronutrient deficiencies. This narrative review evaluates current evidence on the role of zinc, selenium, and vitamin C in immune health. These micronutrients were selected for their established roles in immune cell development, antioxidant defense, and inflammatory regulation. The review analyzes experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies to assess their mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and safety. Zinc is essential for both innate and adaptive immunity, playing a pivotal role in T-lymphocyte maturation, macrophage and neutrophil function, and cytokine production. While zinc deficiency increases infection susceptibility, supplementation benefits primarily those with deficient or high-risk status. Selenium, a key component of selenoproteins like glutathione peroxidase, supports antioxidant defense and modulates cell-mediated immunity. Evidence indicates that selenium may enhance immune function in deficient individuals; however, excessive intake carries a narrow therapeutic window and potential toxicity. Vitamin C contributes to defense by maintaining epithelial barrier integrity, supporting leukocyte chemotaxis, and modulating oxidative stress. While routine high-dose supplementation offers limited benefits in healthy individuals, adequate intake remains crucial for those with low dietary consumption. This review highlights the risks associated with indiscriminate supplementation. While zinc, selenium, and vitamin C are indispensable for optimal immunity, their use should be individualized and targeted toward correcting confirmed deficiencies. A personalized, evidence-based approach remains essential for supporting immune health while minimizing potential risks.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.