Tag: Infection susceptibility

Malnutrition is the most common cause of immunodeficiency worldwide, significantly increasing susceptibility to infection and complicating disease outcomes. When a person's nutritional and immunological status becomes insufficient, the body's primary defense mechanisms weaken, leading to a cascade of negative effects on both the immune system and the physical barriers of the skin and mucous membranes.

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, affecting millions and increasing vulnerability to infections. This highlights the crucial, yet complex, relationship between iron levels and the body's ability to mount an effective immune response.

According to research, malnutrition is a significant contributor to disease, disability, and death worldwide, particularly through its profound effect on the immune system. Indeed, a compromised immune system stands out as one serious risk of malnutrition, dramatically increasing vulnerability to infections.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iron deficiency anemia affects nearly 30% of the global population, underscoring its significant impact on public health. Beyond the well-known symptoms of fatigue and weakness, a critical question for many is, "Can low iron lead to colds and more frequent infections?" Research confirms that insufficient iron levels can indeed compromise the immune system, leaving the body more vulnerable to illness.

According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition is an underlying factor in an estimated 45% of deaths in children under five, significantly increasing their risk of dying from common infectious diseases like pneumonia and diarrhea. A starving individual is more susceptible to infectious disease because their body lacks the critical resources needed to sustain a robust immune defense system.