Nutrition, exercise, and immune system function

Although the immune system has received intense study for the past two decades, the effects of exercise and nutrition on the function of this extremely critical system are in their infancy. Along with a review of available literature, this article presents what is known about the effects of exercise, especially prolonged, heavy exertion, on the components of the immune system, the risk of infection, and changes in specific immune system parameters during and after heavy training. This article also addresses the theoretical potential for specific nutrients to combat decreases in immune function.