Scientists at the Van Andel Institute, along with collaborators, have found that a metabolic by-product, more prevalent during fasting, could enhance the ability of immune cells to fight infection and disease.
The research, which might help create personalized dietary recommendations to supplement treatments for infection, cancer, and other diseases, adds a new dimension to our understanding of how nutrition impacts the immune system.
The Unseen Power of Ketone Bodies
Ketone bodies, the study’s focus, are typically produced by the liver. Their production rises when glucose, the primary fuel for cells, is scarce.
This can happen during physical exertion, such as exercise when cells are rapidly consuming fuel, or during fasting, when there’s little food to break down into glucose.
In these situations, the liver increases its production of ketone bodies to nourish the brain and other organs.
However, this study reveals a surprising new role for ketone bodies—they also power immune cells.
T cells, the body’s immune system warriors, absorb nutrients like glucose from our diets to generate the energy they need to function.
However, the researchers found that T cells actually prefer ketone bodies over glucose as an energy source. Not only that, but ketone bodies seem to improve T cell function by reprogramming them to better neutralize threats.
A loss of the ability to process ketone bodies can lead to defects in T cell function, hampering their ability to combat infections.
Ketone Bodies – An Evolutionary Failsafe?
The researchers propose that ketone bodies might be an evolutionary backup mechanism that strengthens the immune system when nutrient resources are scarce, such as when an individual’s appetite is suppressed during illness.
However, there’s much more to learn about the complicated relationship between diet and the immune system, as other studies suggest that fasting could actually suppress immune function.
Future research by the team will explore how fasting and ketone body supplementation affects immune function, with a particular focus on T cells’ ability to fight cancer.
As the complex interplay between diet and immunity continues to unfold, new dietary strategies could potentially be developed to boost immune function and supplement treatments for various diseases.
If you care about health, please read studies about berry that can prevent cancer, diabetes, and obesity, and calorie restriction boosts human metabolism, immunity for longer health span.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
The study was published in Immunity.
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