Study on the effect of short-term fasting on immune function

Fasting primarily influences the immune function of leukocytes by regulating their mobilization and redistribution between the bone marrow and peripheral tissues or the bloodstream. This occurs in particular through the relocation of leukocytes back into the bone marrow. During fasting, therefore, fewer leukocytes are present in the peripheral blood.

In this study, the researchers investigated how the immune system reacts to the increased risk of invasion by infectious pathogens during fasting. Proteomic, biochemical and flow cytometric methods were used to assess the effects of short-term intensive fasting (KZIF) on red blood cells .

The researchers examined the cells of the CIPF patients before and after six days of fasting and six days of gradual refeeding. They found that by triggering the activation of the complement system via the complement receptor on the red blood cell membrane, KZIF increased the function of red blood cells in the immune response to various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and parasites, quite sustainably, especially with the pronounced ability to fight off SARS-CoV-2 without affecting their oxygen-delivery capacity and viability.

Through these results, they concluded that intensive short-term fasting enhances the immune function of red blood cells and can therefore be considered as a non-medical intervention option to strengthen the ability of red blood cells to fight infectious diseases.