New paper out! Immunity as Guardian of Health

We often think about immunity only when we’re sick 🤒. It shows up in moments of discomfort: a cold, fatigue, or infection. But in reality, our immune system is constantly at work, 24/7, quietly maintaining balance, repairing damage, and regulating inflammation.

In a recent paper published in Frontiers in Nutrition, we explore a broader and more integrated way of thinking about immunity. Rather than seeing it as a system that simply reacts to illness, we describe it as the ‘Guardian of Health’ 🛡️, a dynamic, continuous force that shapes long-term resilience and supports healthspan.

Immunity Beyond Illness

This perspective shifts the role of immunity from reactive to proactive. It is not just about fighting infections, but about maintaining equilibrium in the body over time. From managing low-grade inflammation to supporting recovery and adaptation, immune function is deeply intertwined with how well (and how long) we live.

The Role of Micronutrients

A central insight from our work is simple, yet often underestimated: micronutrients matter.

Vitamins and minerals are essential to the proper functioning of the immune system. When levels are insufficient, immune resilience declines. Importantly, the consequences are not limited to increased susceptibility to seasonal illness, they can influence broader aspects of health and long-term vitality.

In this sense, nutrition becomes foundational to immune performance, and by extension, to healthspan.

A Shift Toward Preventive Health

This evolving understanding is contributing to a wider shift, from treating illness to supporting everyday health. Preventive immune care is becoming an integral part of how we think about well-being.

At Bayer, this perspective is reflected in a commitment to making immune health part of daily life. Brands such as Redoxon illustrate a more proactive approach, supporting individuals not only when they feel unwell, but as part of their ongoing health routine.

This work would not have been possible without inspiring collaboration. I am especially grateful to my co-authors, Philip Calder from the University of Southampton and Adeline Pierre from Bayer.

Read the Full Paper

For those interested in exploring the topic in more depth, you can read the full publication here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1802025