Single-Nutrient Effects on Immunologic Functions
- 2 January 1981
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Medical Association (AMA) in JAMA
- Vol. 245 (1) , 53-58
- https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1981.03310260031024
Abstract
Immune system dysfunction can result from single-nutrient deficiencies or excesses, alone or in combination with generalized protein-energy malnutrition. Acquired immune dysfunctions in man occur with deficiencies of iron, zinc, vitamins A and B12, pyridoxine, and folic acid and with excesses of essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Additional micronutrients are important for maintaining immunologic competence in animals. Deficits or excesses of many trace elements and single nutrients thus have potential for causing immune dysfunctions in man. Since nutritionally induced immune dysfunction is generally reversible, it is important to recognize and identify clinical illnesses in which immunologic dysfunctions are of nutritional origin. Correction of malnutrition should lead to prompt reversal of acquired immune dysfunctions. (JAMA1981;245:53-58)Keywords
This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- Effect of vitamin E supplementation on leukocyte functionThe American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1980
- Iron deficiency anemia: Its relationship to infection susceptibility and host defenseThe Journal of Pediatrics, 1975