Research methods to influence of nutrition on human immunity

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review the advances in population research methods of dietary nutrition and human immunity. Methods: Related studies on the relationship between dietary nutrition and human immunity were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases from the start date to January 10, 2020. A systematic review of the literatures that met the requirements was carried out. Results: Totally 114 articles were included, including 4 Chinese articles and 110 English articles. There were 22 cross-sectional studies, 16 case-control studies, 41 cohort studies and 35 intervention studies, respectively. The research methods showed a trend of diversification over time. In recent years, the derivative types of case-control studies such as nested case-control studies and case cohort studies received attention. Research factors gradually shifted from a single nutrient or dietary ingredient to food and dietary patterns. The protective effect of nutrition on gene damage, the effect on altering gene expression, and the regulatory effect of genetic polymorphism on the sensitivity of nutrients and inflammatory markers became research hotspots. Conclusion: The epidemiologic research methods of dietary nutrition and human immune function are constantly improving and developing, which play an important role in fully demonstrating the relationship between nutrition and human immune function.