Define Effect of Nutrition on the Immune System?
Nutrition has a strong influence on the immune system of the elderly. Ageing induces dysregulation of the immune system, mainly as a result of changes in cell mediated immunity. Under nutrition, among the aged population induces lower immune responses and consequently increases the risk of infection. Protein energy malnutrition and deficiency of a single micronutrient like zinc, selenium and vitamin B6 also adversely affects the immune response. The diminished functioning of the immune system associated with ageing is also believed to have contributed to an increased incidence of not only infectious diseases but also degenerative diseases such as cancer in the elderly. There is an increasing evidence of immunologic enhancement followed by an intervention of nutrient supplements among the elderly, which may further help in health and reducing illness.