Nutrition and Immunity Quiz

Nutrition and Immunity

• Carbohydrates are not digested in the stomach, but first in the mouth and then the small intestine.
• Amylase is the enzyme used to digest carbohydrates.
• Amylase is not found in ruminants.
• Proteins are primarily digested in the stomach.
• Pepsin and HCI are secreted in the stomach to digest proteins.
• Protein digestion is complete in the small intestine.
• Zymogens are the pancreatic enzymes secreted in the small intestine.
• The immune system is a collection of cells that protect the body against infection and malignancy.

Immunity

• Immunity is the body's reaction to foreign substances, including microbes and macro molecules.
• Innate immunity is non-specific immunity due to barriers (physical and chemical).
• Acquired immunity is specific and produced by antibodies.
• Antibodies target specific antigens.
• The 3 lines of defense are the first, second, and third lines.
• The first line of defense is non-specific and acts as a barrier (skin).

Second Line of Defense

• This line of defense is non-specific.
• It increases body temperature to inhibit pathogens.
• It increases blood flow and initiates inflammation when the body is injured or infected.
• Macrophages (white blood cells) engulf pathogens.
• These are known as phagocytes.

Third Line of Defense

• This defense mechanism is specific.

• Specific cells (macrophages) identify foreign invaders.

• Helper T cells assist other immune cells.

• B cells produce antibodies that tag the invaders.

• Killer T cells destroy the invaders.

Types of Immunity

• Innate immunity involves the body's initial response.
• The two barriers to innate immunity are physical and chemical.
• Phagocytes are neutrophils and macrophages.
• Innate immunity is characterized by an inflammatory response.
• Adaptive immunity is a specific response to a particular antigen, enhanced through repeated exposure.
• The three lines of defense include both innate and acquired (adaptive) immunity.
• Adaptive immunity involves two forms: passive and active.
• Passive immunity is short-term, while active immunity is long-term.

Passive Immunity

• Passive immunity is maternal immunity, where antibodies are introduced to the body.
• Maternal immunity can be natural or artificial.
• Antibody transfer can be passive or active, natural or artificial.
• Antibody transfer can be provided in the form of antiserum.
• Antibody transfer is administered via injections.

Types of Acquired Immunity

• Acquired immunity can be humoral or cell-mediated.

• Humoral immunity involves the production of antibodies.

• Cell-mediated immunity involves the action of specific cells (e.g., T lymphocytes).

Active Immunity

• Active immunity is when the body's immune response is activated and antibodies are produced in response to a pathogen or vaccine.
• Active immunity can occur after exposure to a particular pathogen.
• Vaccinations use weakened pathogens to stimulate an active immune response.
• Vaccination causes the body to create antibodies.

Nutrition and Immunity Link

• Nutrition plays a significant role in the animal immune system through synergistic effects and a vicious cycle.
• Protein energy malnutrition negatively influences immune function.
• Antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, support immune function.
• Impaired phagocyte function is one issue in innate immunity, and impaired T cell function is detrimental to adaptive immunity.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids have an impact on inflammation.

Vitamins and Minerals

• Vitamin C is an antioxidant and protects tissue against free radicals.
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant.
• Vitamin A and beta-carotene contribute to phagocytic activity.
• Vitamin C improves both innate and adaptive immunity.
• Vitamin D has phagocytic function. Promoting wound healing, limits inflammatory responses, decreases the level of B cells and T cells.
• Selenium has antioxidant effects and stimulates the general immune response.
• Iron aids in T-cell development.
• Deficiency of minerals (like K, Cu, Zn) can result in a decrease in feed intake and promote urinary excretion.
• Deficiency of selenium and copper lowers humoral and cell-mediated immunity.