It has long been recognized that individuals living in poverty who suffer from malnutrition are more susceptible to infections and certain diseases due to deficiencies in macronutrients such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. More recently, it has come to light that micronutrients such as several vitamins and minerals also play major roles in boosting the immune system to protect against certain infections, inflammation, and possibly some cancers. This article discusses the various immune boosting properties of several micronutrients.
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