Describe how a deficiency of vitamin A and protein can compromise the body's defenses against infection


A vitamin A deficiency causes a decline in the integrity of the skin, lessoning its ability to serve as a barrier to pathogenic, disease-causing microbes. Vitamin A deficiency can also impair the membranes that protect the body's passages from infectious pathogens. Vitamin A helps cells, including the antibody-producing cells as well as the T lymphocytes and phagocytes, to develop normally and function fully.
Table 11-3 describes the impact of protein-energy malnutrition on the body's defenses. The immune system needs an adequate amount of protein to produce antibodies and white blood cells to protect the body against pathogens that cause infectious diseases. Proteins are not stored in the body and must be supplied by the diet each day.

Nutritional Science

You might also like to view...

Describe the protein assessment overview of the visceral proteins, namely albumin, transferrin, prealbumin, and retinol-binding protein.

What will be an ideal response?

Nutritional Science

Which body composition method uses measurements of the density of fat mass and fat-free mass to determine a person's percent body fat?

A. Underwater weighing B. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) C. Bioelectrical impedance D. Skinfold thickness

Nutritional Science

What is the maximum amount of juice recommended per day for older infants?

a. 4-6 ounces per day b. 4-8 ounces per day c. 6-8 ounces per day d. 6-10 ounces per day

Nutritional Science

An important buffer that helps maintain the acid-base balance of the blood is ____

a. hemoglobin b. an electrolyte c. albumin d. structural e. an antibody

Nutritional Science