Polyphenols are natural compounds found in foods like berries, tea, and dark chocolate. They help regulate your immune system by reducing inflammation, protecting cells, and improving cell communication. Here's what you need to know:
- Key Sources: Flavonoids (berries, citrus), phenolic acids (coffee, tea), stilbenes (red grapes, wine), and lignans (flaxseeds).
- Immune Benefits: Polyphenols bind to immune cell receptors, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-α and IL-6), and boost anti-inflammatory ones (like IL-10).
- Cellular Impact: They improve mitochondrial energy production and regulate genes to support immune balance.
- Aging Support: Resveratrol and fisetin, two polyphenols, activate SIRT1 ("youth gene") and clear aging cells, promoting healthier aging.
Quick Tip: Supplements like MASI's Resveratrol (500 mg) and Fisetin (500 mg) can enhance immune function, especially for adults over 40.
This article breaks down how polyphenols work at the molecular level, their effects on immune cells, and the latest research on their health benefits.
What Are Polyphenols And Why Are They Good For Us? w/ Dr ...
How Polyphenols Interact with Immune Cells
After discussing polyphenol types and their role in maintaining immune balance, let’s dive into how they engage with immune cells at the molecular level. Polyphenols directly bind to cell-surface receptors, influencing immune responses through various pathways [1].
One key interaction involves toll-like receptors (TLRs). When polyphenols bind to TLRs, they can inhibit the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. This reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are often linked to excessive inflammation [2][3]. By targeting these pathways, polyphenols help lower inflammation while maintaining stable immune cell activity [4].
These compounds also influence cytokine production. They suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6 while encouraging the release of anti-inflammatory IL-10 [5]. Beyond cytokines, polyphenols enhance immune cell functions. For example, they increase macrophage activity, promote T-cell division, and improve the ability of natural killer (NK) cells to destroy harmful targets [6][7].
Genetic and Cell Energy Effects
Polyphenols influence the immune system not just through receptor interactions but also by impacting gene regulation and cellular energy mechanisms. These deeper effects help shape immune responses in a more comprehensive way.
Gene Expression Modulation
Polyphenols can modify epigenetic markers like DNA methylation and histone changes. This helps suppress pro-inflammatory genes such as TNF-α and IL-6, while boosting genes that support immune cell differentiation [8]. These changes work alongside receptor-level effects to maintain a balanced cytokine response.
Cellular Energy Metabolism
Polyphenols improve how mitochondria function and activate key regulators like AMPK and SIRT1. This ensures a steady energy supply during immune responses and periods of stress [9]. By maintaining energy availability, they support the phagocytic and cytotoxic activities previously discussed.
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Latest Polyphenol Research
Comparing Polyphenol Types
MASI Premium Resveratrol and Fisetin both provide 500 mg per serving. These amounts have been shown to support T-cell growth, reduce IL-6 levels, and enhance NK cell function in older adults. These effects are tied to the NF-κB and AMPK pathways, which were discussed earlier.
Recent Findings
New clinical data builds on earlier receptor and gene-level insights. A 500 mg dose of resveratrol has been shown to lower TNF-α by 25% and increase IL-10 levels in adults over 65. Similarly, a 500 mg dose of fisetin improved macrophage activity by 30% and activated SIRT1-related pathways. Advanced extraction methods ensure the molecular structure remains intact, supporting consistent immune system benefits [1].
[1] MASI Longevity Science website, 2024
Health Effects and MASI Products
Effects on Aging
Resveratrol works by activating SIRT1, often referred to as the "youth gene", while fisetin helps clear out senescent cells. Together, they help maintain immune balance and support cellular health, especially as inflammation tends to increase with age. These processes tie back to the SIRT1 and senescence pathways discussed earlier in the Gene Expression and Metabolism sections.
MASI Longevity Science Products
MASI offers specialized formulations designed to make these molecular benefits part of your daily routine:
- Premium Resveratrol (500 mg) and Premium Fisetin (500 mg) capsules are formulated to promote SIRT1 activation and remove senescent cells. This helps support the function of T-cells and NK cells.
- Dosage recommendations: Take one capsule daily if you're between 40 and 50 years old, and two capsules daily if you're over 50.
- These products are vegan, free of GMOs and allergens (including soy, lactose, and gluten), and certified Halal and Kosher.
MASI ensures its dosing aligns with research and recommendations from experts at Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic [1].
[1] MASI Longevity Science website, 2024
Summary
Key Highlights
- Resveratrol supports immune balance and cellular health by activating SIRT1, often referred to as the "youth gene" [1].
- Fisetin helps remove aging cells, encouraging cellular renewal [1].
- Suggested for individuals aged 40 and older, as natural maintenance processes slow with age [1].
How to Use Polyphenols
For optimal benefits:
- Ages 40–50: Take 1 capsule daily.
- Ages 50 and older: Take 2 capsules daily.
MASI's polyphenols are made in Germany, tested in Switzerland, and meet strict quality standards. They are pharmaceutical-grade, GMO-free, allergen-free, vegan, Halal, Kosher, and backed by research from Harvard and Mayo Clinic [1].
