» Articles » PMID: 38724105

Interactions of Nutrition and Infection: The Role of Micronutrient Deficiencies in the Immune Response to Pathogens and Implications for Child Health

Overview
Journal Annu Rev Nutr
Publisher Annual Reviews
Date 2024 May 9
PMID 38724105
Authors
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Approximately five million children die each year from preventable causes, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and malaria. Roughly half of those deaths are attributable to undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs). The influence of infection on micronutrient status is well established: The inflammatory response to pathogens triggers anorexia, while pathogens and the immune response can both alter nutrient absorption and cause nutrient losses. We review the roles of vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and selenium in the immune system, which act in the regulation of molecular- or cellular-level host defenses, directly affecting pathogens or protecting against oxidative stress or inflammation. We further summarize high-quality evidence regarding the synergistic or antagonistic interactions between MNDs, pathogens, and morbidity or mortality relevant to child health in low- and middle-income countries. We conclude with a discussion of gaps in the literature and future directions for multidisciplinary research on the interactions of MNDs, infection, and inflammation.

Citing Articles

Supporting policy action to reduce adolescent anaemia in South Asia.

Sethi V, Murira Z, Yadav K, Mishra P, Chowdhury I, Aminee A BMJ. 2025; 388:e080813.

PMID: 40032326 PMC: 11869810. DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2024-080813.


A New Conceptual Framework for Enhancing Vaccine Efficacy in Malnourished Children.

Mwamba G, Nzaji M, Numbi O, Mapatano M, Lusamba Dikassa P J Multidiscip Healthc. 2025; 17:6161-6175.

PMID: 39749211 PMC: 11694020. DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S504464.


A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between neglected tropical diseases and malnutrition: more research needed on diseases other than intestinal parasites, leishmaniasis and leprosy.

Loglo A, Aniagyei W, Vivekanandan M, Agbanyo A, Asamoah E, Phillips R Access Microbiol. 2024; 6(11).

PMID: 39539349 PMC: 11559247. DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000800.v3.