Question

Why is dietary protein deficiency associated with increased susceptibility to infections?

a		lack of dietary protein leads to a decrease in productive sleep patterns
b		amino acids are required to make antibodies (proteins)
c		this is an indication that someone is malnurished
d		lack of proteins decreases energy

Answer 1

b) Amino acids are required to make antibodies (antibodies are proteins)

Proteins are polymers of amino acids. Deficiency of dietary protein has long been known to interfere with immune function and increase the susceptibility to infectious diseases both in animals and humans. Protein malnutrition decreases concentrations of most amino acids, particularly essential amino acids in the plasma and also in the cell cytoplasm. This decreases the production of antibodies, cytokines and many other molecules concerned with immune response making the individual more susceptible to infections.