Fenoglide can affect this through 2 different nutrient pathways: Vitamin E, Vitamin C. This medication is commonly used for High Cholesterol.
Each nutrient below contributes to this impact through a different mechanism.
In both experimental models and human reports, vitamin E deficiency has been shown to blunt immune defenses, particularly T‑cell–mediated responses, leading to greater vulnerability to infections. A classic case of severe vitamin E deficiency from intestinal malabsorption demonstrated markedly reduced delayed‑type hypersensitivity and impaired T‑cell interleukin‑2 production that normalized after vitamin E repletion, offering direct proof that this deficiency can cause reversible T‑cell dysfunction in humans. In older adults, vitamin E supplementation has been associated with enhanced naïve T‑cell function, better resistance to influenza in animal studies, and a lower risk of upper respiratory infections in nursing‑home residents, suggesting that maintaining adequate vitamin E status may be an underappreciated strategy to support immune resilience across the lifespan.
Kowdley KV, Mason JB, Meydani SN, Cornwall S, Grand RJ. Vitamin E deficiency and impaired cellular immunity related to intestinal fat malabsorption. Gastroenterology. 1992 Jun;102(6):2139-42. Lewis ED, Meydani SN, Wu D. Regulatory role of vitamin E in the immune system and inflammation. IUBMB Life. 2019 Apr;71(4):487-494. Meydani SN, Han SN, Wu D. Vitamin E and immune response in the aged: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications. Immunol Rev. 2005 Jun;205(1):269-84. Dang H, Li J, Liu C, Xu F. The Association Between Vitamin E Deficiency and Critically Ill Children With Sepsis and Septic Shock. Front Nutr. 2021 Jun 16;8:648442.
Even a modest shortfall in vitamin C can leave the immune system less resilient, showing up as more frequent colds, flus, or lingering infections that are slow to clear. Vitamin C concentrates to very high levels inside neutrophils, where it helps fuel their oxidative burst, regulate antioxidant enzymes, and support normal cell survival, so low vitamin C can mean these “first‑responder” white blood cells do not work at full strength. Clinical trials are mixed but intriguing: in a substantial subset of studies, vitamin C supplementation improved neutrophil functions such as oxidative burst, antioxidant enzyme activity, and even reduced premature neutrophil cell death in very sick patients, suggesting that correcting low vitamin C may help the body respond more effectively when infections strike.
Van Straten M, Josling P. Preventing the common cold with a vitamin C supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Adv Ther. 2002 May-Jun;19(3):151-9. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. Moore A, Khanna D. The Role of Vitamin C in Human Immunity and Its Treatment Potential Against COVID-19: A Review Article. Cureus. 2023 Jan 13;15(1):e33740. Bhoot HR, Zamwar UM, Chakole S, Anjankar A. Dietary Sources, Bioavailability, and Functions of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Its Role in the Common Cold, Tissue Healing, and Iron Metabolism. Cureus. 2023 Nov 23;15(11):e49308. Liugan M, Carr AC. Vitamin C and Neutrophil Function: Findings from Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2019 Sep 4;11(9):2102.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Research demonstrates that fibrates, particularly fenofibrate, are known to increase homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine is associated with increased risk of a range of health problems including atherosclerosis, stroke, and neurological diseases, and vitamin Bs including vitamin B6 helps facilitate the breakdown of homocysteine and may be helpful in reducing homocysteine levels.
Fenofibrate has been shown in studies to increase the toxic effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that may lead to side effects such as hives, itching, and skin rash. Taking vitamin E before UV exposure is found in research to significantly help block UV-fenofibrate effects on the skin. Vitamin E supplementation should be considered when taking this drug therapy.
Fenofibrate has been shown in studies to increase the toxic effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that may lead to side effects such as hives, itching, and skin rash. Taking vitamin C before UV exposure is found in research to significantly help block UV-fenofibrate effects on the skin. Vitamin C supplementation should be considered when taking this drug therapy.