Nutrition word is derived from latin word (Nutrire) which means to feed or to nourish. Nutrition means the part of food which is absorbed by your body and utilizes it to generate healthy cells, provide energy and to nitrify the body.Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and longevity. There are six classes of nutrients required for the body to function and maintain overall health. These are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, water, vitamins, and minerals. Nutrition is a critical determinant of immune responses and malnutrition the most common cause of immunodeficiency worldwide. Protein Energy Malnutrition is associated with significanct impairment of cell mediated immunity, phagocyte function, complement system, secretory immunoglobin A antibody concentrations, and cytokine production. Deficiency of single nutrient also result in altered immune responses, this is observed even when the deficiency state is relatively mild. Micronutrients zinc, selenium , iron , copper, vitamins A, C, E and B-6 and folic acid have important influences on immune responses. Over nutrition and obesity also reduce immunity that can be partly restored by providing extra amounts of dietary zinc. In elderly impaired immunity can be enhanced by modest amounts of a combination of micronutrients. These findings have considerable practical and public health significance.
Posted on 2022-11-02 by National Hospital