Micronutrients are indeed essential for the immune system to function efficiently, and deficiencies can lead to imbalances in immune responses, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

1. Micronutrient deficiency and immune system: Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, play crucial roles in immune function. Deficiencies in these micronutrients can harm the immune system and reduce its ability to mount effective immune responses.

2. Aggravation of deficiencies by infections: Infections can worsen micronutrient deficiencies by increasing nutrient losses, altering metabolic pathways, and interfering with nutrient absorption and utilization.

3. Groups at risk of inadequate intakes: People with eating disorders, smokers (both active and passive), individuals with chronic alcohol abuse, certain diseases, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly are more prone to inadequate intake of micronutrients.

4. Micronutrients and their contributions to immune defense: Micronutrients contribute to the body’s natural defense on three levels – supporting physical barriers (skin/mucosa), cellular immunity, and antibody production.

5. Vitamins and minerals for enhancing skin barrier: Vitamins A, C, E, and the mineral zinc help enhance the skin barrier function, providing the first line of defense against pathogens.

6. Support for immune cells: Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folic acid, along with the minerals iron, zinc, copper, and selenium, work in synergy to support the protective activities of immune cells.

7. Essential role in antibody production: Except for vitamin C and iron, all the mentioned micronutrients are essential for the production of antibodies, which are crucial for targeting and neutralizing pathogens.

8. Suppressed immune system and increased risk of infections: Inadequate intake and status of these vitamins and minerals can lead to a suppressed immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and exacerbating malnutrition.

9. Multivitamin/mineral supplementation: A multivitamin/mineral supplement that includes the mentioned micronutrients can support the body’s natural defense system by enhancing all three levels of immunity and addressing potential deficiencies.