Called micronutrients because they are needed only in minuscule amounts, these substances are the “magic wands” that enable the body to produce enzymes, hormones, and other substances essential for proper growth and development, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As tiny as the amounts are, however, the consequences of their absence can be severe.
Micronutrient deficiencies that impact metabolism, or health in general, can slow the production of meibum, or cause the production of poor quality meibum. They can impact lacrimal gland and meibomian gland efficiency. The immune system may be compromised leading to colonization by demodex mites, infectious bacteria or fungal infections.
Reference
The International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: report of the Subcommittee on Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology of the meibomian gland
Knop E, Knop N, Millar T, Obata H, Sullivan DA.
Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
2011 Mar 30;52(4):1938-78. doi: 10.1167/iovs.10-6997c. Print 2011 Mar. PMID:21450915
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