Abstract
Immunonutrition, which involves the targeted use of specific nutrients to enhance immune function and mitigate inflammation, has recently become a mainstay for both medical and surgical benefits. This review explores the evolution, mechanisms, and clinical applications of immunonutrition, with a focus on essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, glutamine, arginine, and vitamins. These immunonutrients modulate immune responses, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and support tissue repair. Clinical evidence indicates that immunonutrition reduces postoperative complications, shortens the duration of hospitalisation, and lowers the rate of infection, mainly in high-risk surgical patients and those with cancer or chronic diseases. In this regard, nutrients such as glutamine and omega-3 fatty acids have improved the nutritional status and recovery of cancer patients, while omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins have exerted an anti-inflammatory effect, improving heart health in patients with cardiovascular disease. Immunonutrition has bright prospects in the management of infectious diseases, where certain nutrients, including vitamin D and zinc, aid in fighting immune defences and reducing the severity of infection. Future studies should investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying immunonutrition and its role in personalised nutrition. This could revolutionise dietary interventions based on genetic and proteomic profiling.