الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Proper nutrition is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system. Nutritional deficiency affects the immune system’s functional activity and thus increases infection vulnerability.
Several vitamins and trace minerals such D, B12, B6, A, C, E, folate, selenium, zinc, iron, and copper have been shown to play important roles in strengthening the immune system and lowering infection risk.
Amino acids are required for the formation of a large number of proteins as well as the regulation of critical metabolic pathways involved in the immunological response to infectious diseases. Vitamin A has a role in regulating gut immunity. Vitamin D regulates the multiplication and development of immune cells, among other biological roles in the immune system. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that has a role in immunological functioning, cell communication, gene expression control, and other metabolic functions. Vitamin C has antioxidative properties as well as being a cofactor for numerous enzymes required for the biosynthesis and expression of genes. Vitamin B6 is shown to have a role in the modulation of immunological responses linked to a variety of illnesses. Vitamin B6 controls the differentiation of immune cells. Vitamin B12 is required by all cells for synthesizing purines and pyrimidines, particularly rapid dividing immune cells. Folic acid is necessary for the viability and multiplication of cells because it is required for the formation, duplication, and renewal of nucleotides that make DNA and RNA. Iron has a crucial function in host antimicrobial responses. Zinc influences functioning and viability of immune cells, hematopoiesis, production of cytokines, and humoral immunity, among other immunological processes. Selenium has a role in the stimulation, multiplication, and development of immune cells that initiate both innate and adaptive immunological reactions. Cu is required for the development, growth, and multiplication of leukocytes. Consuming diets rich in nutritious food with high levels of vitamins and minerals, provides proper immune system functioning by supplying antioxidants to delay cell damage triggered by free radicals.
Mothers may lack nutritional knowledge, which might influence the immunological health of their children. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the mothers’ knowledge and the children’s dietary intake of nutrients related to immune health. The target population of the study was 400 children under 5 years of age attending the selected health care facilities in Alexandria and their mothers. Data was collected using a pre-designed interview questionnaire about personal and socioeconomic data, medical history, dietary habits, dietary intake assessment and mothers’ knowledge on nutrients affecting immunity.