The article "Malnutrition and Infection: Complex Mechanisms and Global Impacts" by Ulrich E. Schaible and Stefan H. E. Kaufmann discusses the critical yet often underestimated role of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in susceptibility to infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The authors highlight that PEM increases the risk of infection by impairing immune function, reducing energy availability, and affecting nutrient absorption. They emphasize the need for new strategies to address chronic malnutrition in impoverished countries and emerging public health threats like overnutrition in industrialized societies. The article reviews the complex interactions between malnutrition, immunity, and infection, including the impact of PEM on immune cell function, cytokine production, and the gut microbiota. It also explores the role of leptin in mediating the connection between nutrition and immunity, and the implications of overnutrition in conditions like obesity and diabetes. The authors advocate for cost-effective and practical approaches to combat malnutrition, such as ready-to-use therapeutic foods, and call for increased research and investment in this area to address global health challenges.The article "Malnutrition and Infection: Complex Mechanisms and Global Impacts" by Ulrich E. Schaible and Stefan H. E. Kaufmann discusses the critical yet often underestimated role of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in susceptibility to infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The authors highlight that PEM increases the risk of infection by impairing immune function, reducing energy availability, and affecting nutrient absorption. They emphasize the need for new strategies to address chronic malnutrition in impoverished countries and emerging public health threats like overnutrition in industrialized societies. The article reviews the complex interactions between malnutrition, immunity, and infection, including the impact of PEM on immune cell function, cytokine production, and the gut microbiota. It also explores the role of leptin in mediating the connection between nutrition and immunity, and the implications of overnutrition in conditions like obesity and diabetes. The authors advocate for cost-effective and practical approaches to combat malnutrition, such as ready-to-use therapeutic foods, and call for increased research and investment in this area to address global health challenges.