COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 277
● Frequent infections: Due to immune dysregulation
● Autoimmune exacerbations: Flares of existing conditions
● Eosinophilia: Elevated eosinophil count on blood testing
Clinical Implications and Physiological Effects
The clinical presentation of parasitic infections varies widely based
on the specific organism, parasite load, host immune status, and
individual factors. Symptoms may range from completely
asymptomatic to severe and potentially life-threatening.
Nutritional Implications
Parasitic infections can impact nutritional status through multiple
mechanisms:
● Competitive absorption: Direct competition for nutrients (e.g.,
B12 with D. latum)
● Malabsorption: Due to intestinal inflammation or villi damage
● Increased metabolic demands: From immune activation and
inflammation
● Anorexia: Reduced intake due to nausea or early satiety
● Blood loss: Particularly with hookworm infections
Common nutritional deficiencies associated with parasitic
infections include:
● Iron deficiency (leading to microcytic anemia)
● Vitamin B12 deficiency (leading to macrocytic anemia)
● Vitamin A deficiency
● Zinc deficiency
● Protein malnutrition
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