Eating Boosts T Cell Immune Response, New Study Finds

A new study published in Nature reveals that eating meals immediately boosts the immune system's T cells. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh drew blood from 31 healthy volunteers after fasting overnight and again after breakfast and lunch, finding that fed T cells were better prepared to fight infections. Mouse experiments confirmed the effect, with fed mice showing larger mitochondria, more fat reserves, and greater sugar uptake. A fat-rich diet (corn oil) produced the strongest response in mice. The study suggests timing of meals could impact vaccine efficacy and CAR T-cell therapy outcomes. Senior author Greg Delgoffe noted that chylomicrons, which carry fats in the bloodstream, may fuel enhanced T cells. The research points to a previously overlooked factor in medical studies.