Several trace elements are essential micronutrients and are required for various body functions and well being of the immune system. The deficiencies of trace elements and infectious diseases often coexist and exhibit complex interactions. Several trace elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, etc. have immunomodulatory functions and thus influence the susceptibility to the course an...

The substantive role that vitamin and mineral deficiencies play in shaping crisis-related morbidity and mortality was not widely understood when Amartya Sen elaborated his arguments about moral rights of the hungry, entitlements, and public action. This chapter examines two main aspects of the ‘entitlement agenda’ as they relate emergencies: (1) the role of micronutrients in contributing to dis...

1. Concept of food security 1.1. Food supply 1.2.Malnutrition 1.2.1. Under-nourishment 1.2.2. Over-nourishment 1.2.3. Micronutrient deficiencies 2. Our most important nutrients 2.1. Carbohydrates 2.2. Proteins 2.2.1. Cereal proteins 2.2.2. Pulses – a key source of protein 2.3. Fats 2.4. Micronutrients 3. Food quality and safety 4. Home-gardens for household food security 4.1. Main functions and...

The rapid increase of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggests that exposure to chemicals may impact the development of ASD. Therefore, we reviewed literature on the following chemicals, nutrient to investigate their association with ASD: (1) smoke/tobacco, (2) alcohol, (3) air pollution, (4) pesticides, (5) endocrine-disrupting chemicals, (6) heavy metals, (7) micronutrients, ...

Physicians are frequently confronted with patients complaining of fatigue, tiredness and low energy levels. In the absence of underlying disease, these symptoms could be caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals. Certain risk groups like the elderly and pregnant women are well-recognized. Our aim was, therefore, to find out if other, less well-established groups might also be at risk. Thus, the...

BACKGROUND Copper and selenium are important trace elements in man. They function as antioxidants and play roles in oxido-reductase reactions. Several imported multivitamin preparations are given to our women during pregnancy and lactation to correct possible deficiencies. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to determine the serum level of these micronutrients (selenium and copper) in a cross s...

As micronutrient deficiencies are very common in symptomatic as well as in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients, nutritional interventions can play a major role in comprehensive management of HIV-infection. Also such interventions are feasible and affordable, do not require HIV testing facilities and may even be beneficial to HIVinfected patients without micronutrient deficiency. Current evidence...

The gross effects of selenium and vitamin E deficiency on animal production and the potential benefits of supplementation are recognised, and the influence of these micronutrients on the resistance of animals to a variety of infections has also been reported. As a result, deficiencies could compromise the immune system and result in a decline in production and performance before gross effects b...

The relative risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) in Pakistani men is highest in early ages. Majority of those suffering from CAD belong to the lower middle socioeconomic stratum of the society. Mild hyperhomocysteinemia (concentration of plasma homocysteine between 15-25 micromol/l) is very commonly seen in Pakistani patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as well as in nor...

Little is known about the effects of combined micronutrient and sugar consumption on growth and cognition. In the present study, we investigated the effects of micronutrients and sugar, alone and in combination, in a beverage on growth and cognition in schoolchildren. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, children (n 414, 6-11 years) were randomly allocated to consume beverages containing (1) micronutri...