The role of micronutrients in maintaining women’s reproductive potential reduced due to infectious diseases

Abstract

The human immune system, which is in close connection with other organs and systems including the reproductive one, is required for the body’s defence against infections, as well as other external and internal factors. A balanced diet with a sufficient content of not only macro-, but also micronutrients is necessary for the normal function of the immune system. Various studies showed a relationship between the deficiency of various vitamins and trace elements and decreased activity of the immune system. Thus, the immune response can be impaired by malnutrition and trace element deficiency, which increases the body’s susceptibility to infectious factors. In its turn, the infectious process can lead to an increased demand for micronutrients, which is met by exogenous substances, and in case of not enough consumption of them – by endogenous reserves. Infections are one of the main factors deteriorating human reproductive health. Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) hold leading positions in the gynecological pathology pattern, and their prevalence does not show a downward trend. This literature review considers the impact of major infections on women’s reproductive health, presents data on the role of micronutrients in preventing infectious diseases and rehabilitating after them, as well as in preserving reproductive functions after infections. The importance of vitamin C, E, B vitamins, zinc, L-arginine for the preservation and restoration of women’s fertility is considered, and the results of studies on the issue are presented.