Nutrition and Immune Function

Nutrition is significant modulator of the resistant function and can often tip the balance between health and syndrome. Many types of syndromes are due to malnutrition. Specific concentrations of nutrients are required for optimal health of the animal. The diet supplies energy and amino acids that contribute to the development, maintenance and use of the immune system. Substrates are necessary for the anabolic activity of immune system's cells (leukocytes), such as proliferation and antibody production as well as the secretion by the liver of large quantities. In young animals, a rigorous deficiency of any nutrient impairs immunocompetence. Nutrients can affect the functions of leukocytes and hence the type, duration, and magnitude of the immune response. It is important to determine the quantitative nutrient requirements of the immune system for its development in the young animal, its maintenance at times of good health, and its poor immunocompetence, in turn, can result in greater incidence and duration of infections, leading to decreased food intake, nutrient losses, and impaired animal health and well-being. There are two basic causes of degenerative diseases: immune dysfunction due to toxicity, and nutritional deficiency. Deficiency arises from poor soil and depletion of nutrition in processed feeds. Many types of illnesses and diseases are caused by malnutrition. Target animal species require to be examining to decide specific concentrations of nutrients for best immunocompetence and physical condition.