REDUCED IMMUNE FUNCTION

'Innate immunity'

• dysfunctional mucous membranes

• reduced function of NK cells, macrophages and neutrophils

'Adaptive immunity'

• Th2-stimulated antibody production reduced

... leading to increased mortality among newborns, children and pregnant women in areas with Vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A supplementation reduces mortality and morbidity with 20-30 % in areas of sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency.