Vitamins and immunity.

The effects of vitamin deficiencies on increased morbidity and mortality from infectious disease were noted very soon after the discoveries of the vitamins. Repletion and, in numerous instances, supplementation with the deficient vitamin resulted in clinically relevant immunoenhancement. However, communication of the importance of vitamin status, especially in children with measles complications, has not progressed to the point that micronutrient assessment and intervention, when appropriate, occurs on a routine basis.