Immune Response and Medical Nutrition Therapy

The body’s immune response is compromised mainly through infection due to illness and as a result of advancing age. Infection with fever increases the body’s metabolic rate and the catabolic response, leading to muscle wasting and weight loss. This can be further exacerbated by decreased dietary intake caused by anorexia (loss of appetite), early satiety (feeling of fullness), and dysgusia (altered taste sensation), as well as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Nutritional intervention in immuno-compromised states, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer and cancer therapies must include adequate protein intake, which can be as high as 2.0 g/kg body weight or greater per day. The goals of Medical Nutrition Therapy include sparing of additional body protein and restoration of positive nitrogen balance⁷.

Current research names two amino acids, glutamine and arginine, as immunonutrients, since they improve immune function in HIV and cancer patients when supplemented in the diet. They do so by increasing the production of lymphocytes and T-Cells, the types of immune cells that fight infection⁸.

WHY PROTEEM™ WHEY PROTEIN IN IMMUNO-COMPROMISED STATES?

Proteem™ Whey Protein Provides:

• High quality complete protein, all 9 essential amino acids
• Additional glutamine can be added for improved immune function
• Products containing arginine are available, for improved immune function
• Micronutrients can be added as needed
• Versatility in powdered form – can be made into high protein, high calorie shakes for between meal supplements or meal replacement. See recipes.
• Increased nutrient density – unflavored product can be added to foods/liquids to increase protein and calories in less volume when early satiety or anorexia are a factor or when dietary texture changes are needed. See recipes.
• Mild taste – not excessively sweet. No metallic after-taste.

Improved Patient Outcomes using Proteem™ Whey Protein for Immuno-compromised States:

• Weight stabilization and gradual weight regain, mostly in the form of increased body protein
• Muscle repletion
• Greater strength and endurance, as evidenced by increases in Activities of Daily Living, such as sitting, standing and ambulation, leading to improved quality of life⁹
• Improved biochemical indices of increased serum albumin and pre-albumin indicating repletion of protein stores¹⁰
• Greater compliance with taking product as prescribed, secondary to taste preference, ease of preparation and versatility

[ 7 ] Kraus and Mahan, Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy p. 710-711
[ 8 ] http://www.webmd.com/content/article/17/1676-51467.htm Two Amino Acids Boost the Immune System During Illness
[ 9 ] Feedback from VNA patients using Proteem™, 2005-2006
[ 10 ] American Family Physician Vol. 65 No 8: 1575-1578, April 15, 2002