The present invention provides a new means of restoring the immune system in aging and immunocompromised individuals using an antioxidant nutraceutical. The nutraceutical stimulates the aging immune system through the Nrf2 master gene regulatory pathway. The invention is based in part on the discovery that the Nrf2 has antioxidant and immune restorative activity. The nutraceutical improves function of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.