What is one effects of malnutrition on the body's defense system?

a. the skin becomes thicker with more connective tissue.

b. physical barriers to invasion by microbes are increased.

c. the skin's sensitivity reaction to antigens is more rapid.

d. immune system organs decrease in size.

e. antibodies and immune cell numbers are increased?

The answer is e. When one is malnourished, it means they are lacking essential nutrients required for the body to be healthy. This means that the body will lack the required energy and essential elements important in biological processes such as cell division and metabolism. Therefore the cells of the immune system will not divide adequately due to lack of required energy or essential factors (obtained from food). This will compromise the immune system in fighting invading pathogens