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Published on: December 26, 2014

The effects of malnutrition on secretory and cellular immune processes

R R Watson, D N McMurray

    CRC Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
    |December 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Malnutrition significantly impacts children's immunity, increasing infection risks and mortality. This review explores immune system changes, lasting effects, and potential rapid restoration methods for malnourished children.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Pediatrics
    • Nutrition Science

    Background:

    • Malnutrition is a major global health issue, contributing to millions of child deaths annually.
    • It severely impacts immune system development and function, increasing susceptibility to infections.
    • Specific immune components like T-cells and complement are suppressed in malnourished individuals.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To critically review the mechanisms by which malnutrition suppresses immunity.
    • To examine the persistence of these immune effects even after nutritional rehabilitation.
    • To explore the impact of maternal malnutrition on neonatal immunity.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review and critical analysis of existing studies on malnutrition and immunity.
    • Examination of data on immune system alterations in malnourished children and animals.
    • Review of research on the effects of maternal malnutrition on offspring immunity.

    Main Results:

    • Severe malnutrition suppresses key immune functions (T-cell, secretory IgA, complement), while some (serum IgG/IgA) remain normal or elevated.
    • Marginal malnutrition can paradoxically enhance certain immune responses (phagocytosis, T-cell function) conferring cancer immunity but reducing microbial resistance.
    • Immune suppression effects can persist post-renutrition, and maternal malnutrition has significant implications for newborn immunity.

    Conclusions:

    • Malnutrition profoundly disrupts the immune system, leading to increased infections and mortality.
    • Understanding the complex immune changes is crucial for developing effective interventions.
    • Further research into non-nutritional rapid immunological restoration methods is warranted for malnourished children.

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