Open AccessThe Effects of Malnutrition on the Immune System of Those Living in Food Deserts and Food Swamps
Author(s) -
Gabriel Vizgan
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international journal for research in applied science and engineering technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2321-9653
DOI - 10.22214/ijraset.2022.40193
Subject(s) - malnutrition , immune system , swamp , environmental health , socioeconomic status , immunology , incidence (geometry) , vitamin , medicine , biology , physiology , gerontology , ecology , population , physics , optics
Malnutrition is a leading cause of immunodeficiency worldwide; in particular, vitamin A and protein malnutrition seem to wreak devastating effects on various types of white blood cells. This research paper undertakes a primarily qualitative approach, curating and summarizing the most cited published findings on the effects of vitamin A and protein deprivation on leukocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, B cells, and T cells. All were found to be decreased in serum levels and/or have diminished efficacy in those that were malnourished, statistically significant to a p 0.05. This research is relevant as it may provide another compounding variable when regarding why those of lower socioeconomic class – especially those living in food deserts and food swamps – seem to experience disease at a greater incidence and burden than their more affluent age and sex matched counterparts.