Nutraceuticals and immune system health

Human health relies not only on proper nutrition but also on a well-regulated immune system. Recent research clearly shows that many bioactive food-derived compounds (nutraceuticals) can modulate immune responses. This scientific progress has fueled growing public interest in dietary supplements and fortified foods aimed at improving immune health, often leading to self-medication without medical supervision. Given this trend, it is essential to critically investigate the effects of nutraceuticals on human immunity, both in health and disease.

This research topic aims to collect the latest advances on how nutraceuticals interact with immune responses. By gathering both basic and clinical research contributions, we hope to provide scientifically sound evidence regarding the use of nutraceuticals as over-the-counter solutions for immune support or self-medication. Furthermore, by considering their role as adjuncts to standard clinical care in various conditions, this collection seeks to help define solid, evidence-based recommendations for their use in daily medical practice.

Despite the promising immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of several nutraceuticals—such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and polyphenols—the translation from laboratory findings to clinical application remains challenging. Issues such as bioavailability, optimal dosing, and robust clinical validation need to be addressed before nutraceuticals can be fully integrated into healthcare strategies.

To provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of nutraceuticals as immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory agents, we invite submissions on

The mechanisms by which specific nutraceuticals modulate immune cell responses.
The effectiveness of specific nutraceuticals as therapeutic interventions or as add-ons to standard care for immune-related diseases.
Studies on bioavailability, absorption, metabolism, and supplementation strategies regarding the prevention or treatment of immune dysfunction.
Research and reviews addressing regulatory and ethical issues related to the pharmacological use and public health impact of nutraceuticals.
Through this collection, we aim to provide clinicians, researchers, and policymakers with reliable, up-to-date information that will guide safe and effective use of nutraceuticals in supporting immune health.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Immunomodulation: Bioactive compounds: Clinical validation: Bioavailability: Self-medication

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.