Why Can Malnutrition Result In Immunosuppression?

Like the rest of your body, your immune system requires proper nutrition to function. Your immune system protects your body from pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, and removes damaged body tissue. According to a review in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," malnutrition is the most common cause of immunosuppression, an impaired immune system, worldwide.

The Immune System

A variety of other organisms -- bacteria, viruses, fungi, tumors, worms and other parasites -- try to infect your body to take advantage of the energy your body produces. Your immune system exists to protect your body from these threats. The immune system identifies pathogens, marks them, recruits your body's resources, destroys them and disposes of waste. The immune system is composed of many specialized cells, such as T-cells, B-cells, white blood cells, and body tissues that require energy and nutrients to function.

Malnutrition

Your body requires vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates and fats to function. Malnutrition occurs when your diet does not meet your body's demands. According to the National Institutes of Health, malnutrition can range from minor, where few symptoms are present, to severe, where your body sustains permanent damage. Malnutrition can result from an inadequate or unbalanced diet and problems digesting or absorbing nutrients in addition to certain medical conditions that interfere with how your body processes nutrients.

Immunosuppression

When your immune system does not work, you are more susceptible to infection. According to a 1997 review in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," protein-energy malnutrition, defined by a combined deficit in protein and calorie intake, is especially harmful to the immune system as a whole. Deficiencies in single nutrients, such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper and vitamins A, C, E and B-6, can alter individual function of the immune system.

Mechanism

Pathogens and damaged cells are recognized by antibodies, proteins produced by the immune system. If protein is lacking in the diet, fewer antibodies will be produced, and some pathogens will go unrecognized. Additionally, your body's response to a pathogen involves increasing the number of immune cells to fight off infections. This process requires a large amount of energy. A caloric deficit means that your body will be able to produce fewer immune cells to fight infections. Furthermore, the absence of certain vitamins prevents immune cells from carrying out biochemical reactions necessary for them to recognize and destroy pathogens.

Proper Nutrition

If you suspect you may be malnourished, seek help from your doctor. Your doctor can determine whether there is a specific medical condition or inherited deficit that is preventing you from getting proper nutrition. If you have an eating disorder, your doctor can help you seek out specialized help to eat properly. A healthy diet includes lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats and enough calories to meet your body's demand for energy.