Association between dietary intake and cellular immune function in healthy Iraqi adults: A cross-sectional study
Department of Biology, College of Science, Tikrit University, Tikrit, Iraq.
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2026, 11(01), 125-133.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2026.11.1.0024
Publication history:
Received on 28 January 2026; revised on 09 March 2026; accepted on 10 March 2026
Abstract:
The present study examined the effects of food variables on cellular immune response in a group of 120 healthy adults aged 20-50 years in Baghdad, Iraq. A cross-sectional design was used, in which dietary intake was assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire and anthropometric measurements (BMI and waist circumference) were obtained. The presence of cellular immunity was assessed by flow cytometry to quantify T cells, B cells, and NK cells, and by functional assays to assess cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation. The findings also showed that vegetarian diets characterised by high levels of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins were associated with improved immune responses, including increased proportions of CD4+ T cells and NK cells, and increased production of IFN-γ and IL-2. On the other hand, high intake of saturated fat and sugars was associated with a negative relation with these immune parameters. Higher BMI and waist circumference were also associated with balanced dietary patterns, suggesting an indirect advantage for immune competence through alterations in body composition.
These results highlight the importance of nutrition in favouring cellular immunity. These beneficial correlations with plant-rich diets are probably explained by the effects of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants on lymphocyte growth and cytokine production, and by the potential harmful effects of saturated fats and sugars on immunity via pro-inflammatory mechanisms. In summary, the immune health of healthy adults is strongly influenced by diet composition. Nutritional preventive measures are noteworthy in preventive medicine, as saturated fats and sugars can be reduced by encouraging the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins and by enhancing the immune capacity of cells.
Keywords:
Cellular Immunity; Dietary Factors; T Cells; NK Cells; Cytokines; Iraq
Full text article in PDF:
Copyright information:
Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0