Malnutrition and infection: an update

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Immunology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Public Health Nutrition

Background:

• The Scrimshaw, Taylor, and Gordon framework (nearly 50 years old) conceptualizes nutrition-infection interactions.
• This framework highlights synergistic and antagonistic influences between malnutrition and infections.
• Advancements in public health and science necessitate an updated understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an interpretative update on the nutrition-infection interaction.
• To review demographic and epidemiological evolution in human nutrition over 50 years.
• To integrate microbiological and immunological developments into the interaction model.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of demographic and epidemiological data.
• Analysis of scientific advancements in molecular immunology and oxidation biology.
• Integration of public health issues like parasitosis and obesity.

Main Results:

• The original framework has been expanded to include emerging infectious diseases and obesity.
• Molecular immunology and oxidation biology offer new insights into the interaction.
• Multiple micronutrient deficiencies play a significant role.

Conclusions:

• The nutrition-infection interaction is dynamic and influenced by evolving public health and scientific landscapes.
• Updated models are crucial for understanding synergistic and antagonistic effects.
• This review synthesizes nearly 50 years of progress in the field.