Mineral deficiencies arise through various mechanisms and are prevalent in both Western nations and the developing world. Mineral deficiencies can have an impact on host immunity and a number of mineral deficiencies are known to cause severe immune dysfunction. Copper deficiency is known to inhibit interleukin 2 production by affecting gene transcription. Iron deficiency is a risk factor for immune dysfunction, but additional iron may also increase susceptibility to invasion by certain bacteria. The thymus gland may require optimal magnesium blood levels to function and so low magnesium levels may impair the immune response. Manganese is required for neutrophil adhesion and degranulation and may reduce the inflammatory responses to pathogens. Selenium deficiency may increase the risk of infection by certain pathogens. Of all the minerals the role for zinc in immunity is perhaps the most well known as zinc influences the immune response at several key steps.
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