6:00 pm — “Immunology Basics and Immune Deficiencies.”:

Presenter: Janet Kolmer Grommet, PhD, RDN, CDE, FAND

Descriptive Summary:
The first part of this seminar will focus on the physiology and pathophysiology of the immune system. This will include addressing the physiology of the innate and acquired immune systems and differentiate the components of the acquired system. In addition, the pathophysiology of immune deficiencies from acquired (adaptive) conditions will be addressed including COVID-19. This will serve as a foundation for examining nutritional factors.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants will be able to:
1. Review To describe the immune system including innate system and adaptive system
2. To differentiate components of adaptive immune system including cell-mediated immunity
3. To examine immune deficiencies from acquired conditions including COVID 19

7:30 pm — “Micronutrients and bioactive components for COVID-19 – rationales and current evidence”:

Presenter: Victoria Fischer, PhD, RDN

Descriptive Summary:
In this presentation, various micronutrients and a selection of bioactive components will be discussed in terms of their effect on the immune reaction. The focus of the discussion will be on COVID-19. For each substance, the putative mechanism of action and available experimental data regarding the effect on COVID-19 infection and course of disease will be presented.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:

1. List 3 micronutrients and 3 bioactive components that affect the immune reaction,
2. List 3 micronutrients deficiency of which is correlated with worse outcomes for COVID-19 infection,
3. Explain the use of i.v. vitamin C for patients with infections,
4. Explain 3 mechanisms by which micronutrients and bioactive components affect the immune reaction,
5. Respond to a request for supplementation with a micronutrient, by a patient with COVID-19 infection, in an evidence-based manner.

9:00 pm — Participants receive program evaluation information