The Immunomodulatory Role of Micronutrients and Traditional Functional Foods in the Prevention and Management of Communicable Diseases: An Integrative Review

Abstract

The global burden of communicable diseases remains substantial despite antimicrobial therapy advancements; the worldwide burden of infectious illness is still high, and antibiotic resistance is emerging as a major public
health concern. Micronutrients and bioactive food molecules play a major role in immune system function and pathogen resistance; nutrition has emerged as a vital pillar of immunological defence. In addition to examining
the antimicrobial qualities of traditional functional foods such as garlic, turmeric, ginger, honey, propolis, fermented foods, and bioactive plant compounds, this review summarises the most recent research on the
immunomodulatory mechanisms of important micronutrients such as vitamins D, C, E, and A; zinc; selenium; and iron.
This review investigates molecular mechanisms such as direct antimicrobial action, cytokine regulation, oxidative stress management, nutritional immunity and adaptive immune modulation. Optimal micronutrient status significantly protects against respiratory infections, including COVID-19, TB, HIV and influenza as per clinical and epidemiological evidence. Through membrane disruption, enzyme inhibition, and biofilm disruption, traditional functional foods exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The idea of nutritional immunity, in which hosts starve infections by sequestering trace nutrients, is an evolutionarily conserved defence strategy with potential therapeutic applications. Probiotic therapies, functional food consumption and vitamin supplementation offer a synergistic approach to improve immunological resilience, stave off and aid in healing. Nevertheless, there are still issues with bioavailability variability and ideal dosage, as well as
common possible toxicity. The study highlights the transitional potential of nutritional immunology in clinical practice, public health policy, and the creation of supplementary treatment approaches to combat communicable diseases and antibiotic resistance.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202666

How to cite this article:
Hasan S, Siddiqui Z, Shaida B, Singh V, Ahmad W. The Immunomodulatory Role of Micronutrients
and Traditional Functional Foods in the Prevention and Management of Communicable
Diseases: An Integrative Review. J Commun Dis. 2026;58(3):162-171.