Micronutrient malnutrition and the pathogenesis of malarial anemia
Nussenblatt, V.; Semba, R.D.
Acta Tropica 82(3): 321-337
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-706X PMID: 12039672 DOI: 10.1016/s0001-706x(02)00049-9Document Number: 252651
Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and anaemia is a common and sometimes serious complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection. Although micronutrient malnutrition is usually highly prevalent in malaria endemic areas, the contribution of micronutrient deficiencies to malarial anaemia is often overlooked. Recent investigation suggests that micronutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc, may improve the morbidity of malaria through immune modulation and alteration of oxidative stress. Micronutrients are also involved in the pathogenesis of anaemia and likely play a role in malarial anaemia, but many clinical trials have not specifically addressed the impact of micronutrient supplementation on malarial anaemia. Further work is needed to assess the effect of both clinic and community-based micronutrient interventions on malarial anaemia in infants, children, and pregnant women.
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