In a recently published case study article, Prof Tom Wainwright, ORI Visiting Fellow Dr Matteo Briguglio, and colleagues from the IRCCS Orthopaedic Institute Galeazzi in Milan, have shown how specific nutrients can influence the body’s inflammatory response and immune system before surgery.

The article, published in the journal Nutrition Clinique et Métabolisme discusses a clinical case where a patient preparing for complex spinal surgery consumed an immuno-nutrition drink and experienced significant changes in her serum inflammatory markers. This immuno-nutrition, which includes specific nutrients aimed at boosting the immune system, showed a shift towards anti-inflammatory responses while maintaining cell-mediated immunity.

The findings highlight how specific nutrients can influence the body’s inflammatory response and immune system before surgery. This suggests potential benefits for surgical patients, although further research on long-term consumption and surgical outcomes is needed will come from this international collaboration.