Coral Club nutritionist Marina Maltsova has stated that preparing the body's immune system in advance for the autumn cold season is impossible.
Speaking in an interview with news outlet Lenta.ru, Maltsova warned that the phrase strengthening immunity oversimplifies the complex biological processes occurring within the human body.
Maltsova explained that the immune system operates as an intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs that works continuously to identify and respond to potentially dangerous microorganisms. When the body encounters a specific pathogen, different defense mechanisms are activated, allowing the adaptive immune response to form immunological memory.
Because adaptive immunity relies on direct encounters with specific pathogens to build targeted responses, Maltsova noted that it is impossible to prepare the immune system in advance or create a universal protective barrier against all autumn infections.
Supporting body resources
Rather than attempting to boost or strengthen immunity prior to the seasonal change, Maltsova advised that it is far more accurate to focus on supporting the body's resources. Preparing the body for autumn involves creating healthy conditions under which the immune system can carry out its routine defensive functions effectively.
She explained that maintaining these operational conditions relies on getting full sleep, eating a balanced diet, maintaining regular movement, allowing proper recovery after physical exertion, consuming sufficient fluids, and correcting any confirmed nutritional deficiencies.
The human immune system consists of innate mechanisms that provide immediate defense and adaptive responses that remember specific viruses like rhinoviruses or influenza. While general healthy habits cannot block exposure to seasonal infections, proper physical care ensures that immune cells have the metabolic resources required to function without unnecessary strain. Healthcare professionals frequently recommend laboratory blood tests before starting targeted dietary supplements to address verified nutrient shortfalls, such as low vitamin D levels that frequently occur as daylight hours shorten during autumn.
Dietary advice for cold season
Maltsova's remarks follow earlier advice from pediatrician Yulia Andreeva regarding seasonal dietary preparation. Andreeva previously named cod as a specific food product capable of strengthening immunity ahead of the autumn months, advising people to incorporate the fish into their regular diets.
Cod is widely recognized in nutritional science as a rich source of lean protein, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, which play key roles in cellular health and inflammatory regulation. Coral Club, where Maltsova works, is an international wellness company that produces dietary supplements and health products. Lenta.ru, which published Maltsova's comments on August 28, 2026, is a major Moscow-based online news publication that regularly covers public health and lifestyle topics.
