NMI Webinar
Nutrient Deficiencies: The Achilles Heel of the Immune System
with Dr. Thomas Guilliams
Date: Tuesday 13th October 2026
Time: 3pm (UK time)
Duration: 1-hour
Location: Online (Zoom)
Receive: Access to the live online event, unlimited access to the on-demand video recording, downloadable presentation notes, CPD certificate.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) approved by the CPD Certification Service (CPD UK), the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and the Nutritional Therapists of Ireland (NTOI).
Webinar description:
Expanding on his perspective that there are key reserves used throughout the body to maintain metabolic function and tissue integrity, Dr. Guilliams will discuss how nutrient reserves and status create a buffer against immune dysfunction and early immunosenescence. Reaching back to early nutrition and immunology, as well as publications from the COVID-era, we will show that nutrient deficiencies create a vulnerability in immune reactivity and maturation. Since immunosenescence is a classic example of premature aging- we will explore this as a model for global aging phenomena. After discussing some of the well-known nutrients, some focus will be given to several which may not be a common focus such as omega-3s, phytonutrients, glutathione and gut microbe-related micronutrients.
Learning objectives:
- The well-established relationship between micronutrients and immune system (and cell) function, while understanding how various factors result in Immunosenescence- and the larger role this has in revealing a loss in metabolic and nutrient reserves
- Distinguish between Nutrient intake and Status, Deficiency and Insufficiency and describe many of the causes for functional nutrient insufficiencies
- Realize that obesity in many subjects can lead to malnutrition through macronutrient overload with micronutrient intake insufficiency and how this burdens most organ systems.
- Understand how omega-3 index can be used to measure adequate intake of EPA and DHA for optimal omega-3 status
- How gut microbes are absolutely required for the conversion of plant polyphenols into their potent bioactives that circulate in the body.
Speaker
Dr. Thomas Guilliams
Thomas G. Guilliams, PhD (Tom) earned his doctorate in molecular immunology from the Medical College of Wisconsin. For the past 28 years, he has spent his time investigating the mechanisms and actions of lifestyle and nutrient-based therapies, and is an expert in the science and therapeutic uses of dietary supplements. Tom currently serves as an adjunct associate professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy and was the VP of Science for Ortho Molecular Products for 24 years (he now serves them as a consultant). Over the past decade, he has written a series of teaching manuals (Road Maps) that teach and evaluate the principles and protocols that are fundamental to the functional and integrative medical communities. His publication The Role of Stress and the HPA Axis in Chronic Disease Management, now in its second edition, has become the standard for teaching this critical topic to healthcare professionals. He is the founder and director of the Point Institute, an independent research and publishing organization that facilitates the distribution of his many publications. A frequent guest-speaker, Dr. Guilliams provides straight-forward science-based training to a variety of healthcare disciplines in the use of lifestyle and non-pharmacological therapies. Tom is an avid outdoorsman with too many hobbies to list. He is blessed to live in the woodlands of Central Wisconsin with his family.
Additional information:
Expert qualifications: Speakers are selected based on verifiable expertise in their subject area, including post-graduate qualifications, specialist practice, and authorship of original peer-reviewed research.
Standards for conflict of interest and disclosure: Webinars are independent and free of commercial bias that may impact the quality and integrity of educational content, such as the mention of commercial products and services. View our standards for conflict of interest and disclosure.
Funding source: Speaker remuneration is provided by the Nutritional Medicine Institute (NMI).
Disclaimer: The contents of webinars such as this are for educational purposes and intended for health professionals. This information is not a substitution for standard medical care. Health professionals are solely responsible for the care and treatment provided to their own patients.