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Iron deficiency, infections, and immune function: a reassessment
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|April 1, 1978
Summary
Iron deficiency may impair immune function, particularly cell-mediated immunity, increasing infection susceptibility. However, iron repletion typically restores normal immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Physicians often suspect a link between iron deficiency and increased infection risk.
- Existing literature presents contradictory findings on this relationship.
- Previous studies lack rigorous critical review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically analyze the literature regarding iron imbalance and immune function.
- To investigate the relationship between iron deficiency, iron overload, and infection susceptibility.
- To identify factors crucial for interpreting data on iron status and immunity.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies available up to 1976.
- Critical assessment of methodologies and findings in existing reports.
- Analysis focused on immune function, infection, and iron status.
Main Results:
- Inflammatory responses, specifically skin reactivity, are demonstrably reduced in iron deficiency.
- Cell-mediated immunity assays reveal abnormalities in iron-deficient individuals.
- The exact molecular basis for this immune impairment is yet to be identified.
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency appears to compromise cell-mediated immune function.
- Impaired immune function in iron deficiency is often reversible with iron repletion.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved.