Potatoes and Immune Function

ANTIGO, WI - In the following blog post, registered dietitian Jenny Heap explores how potatoes can play a surprising role in supporting immune health, especially during allergy and respiratory virus seasons.

As winter fades and spring blooms, so do seasonal allergies. With lingering challenges of COVID-19 and flu season, supporting a resilient immune system is more crucial than ever. While the peak of respiratory virus season varies, maintaining a strong immune system is crucial year-round. Despite fluctuations in COVID-19, flu, and RSV hospitalizations, the importance of immune health remains constant.

Registered dietitians understand that the interest in immune health has been significantly heightened since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people turning to supplementation for enhanced immune function. While it is well documented that malnutrition and certain nutrient deficiencies impair immune function, whether immunity can be enhanced by consuming high levels of these nutrients via supplementation still lacks scientific consensus.

Though nutrient supplementation might be necessary in some cases to ensure adequate intake, all of these immune-supporting nutrients can be found in common foods. No single whole food provides all, but some – like potatoes – can deliver a surprising dose in just one serving.

Nutrients that support immunity

Several nutrients, including zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E, are required to support an immune system capable of mounting a healthy response to invading pathogens. Potatoes and potato dishes can help boost consumption of several of these immune-critical nutrients, along with others, essential for general health and wellness.

Read the full piece here.