Immune Insufficiency - Unknown

What Does It Mean?

• Immune insufficiency - unknown refers to an underactive immune system with no clearly identified underlying cause, leading to frequent infections, prolonged illness recovery, and immune dysregulation.
• This dysfunction may result from unidentified chronic infections, hidden nutrient deficiencies, environmental exposures, or undiagnosed metabolic imbalances.
• Functional medicine seeks to uncover potential root causes through comprehensive lab testing, lifestyle assessment, and targeted interventions.

How Did We Get Here?

Root Causes & Contributing Factors:

• Hidden Nutritional Deficiencies: Suboptimal levels of vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3s can weaken immune function.
• Latent Infections & Immune Exhaustion: Undiagnosed viral or bacterial infections may strain immune resilience.
• Toxic Load & Environmental Stressors: Exposure to mold, heavy metals, and environmental toxins may impair immune function.
• Dysregulated Stress Response: Chronic stress and HPA axis dysfunction may lead to immune suppression.
• Gut Dysbiosis & Leaky Gut Syndrome: Imbalances in the gut microbiome contribute to immune insufficiency and chronic inflammation.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Frequent colds, flu, and persistent infections.
• Chronic fatigue and low energy.
• Slow wound healing and prolonged illness recovery.
• Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and poor memory.
• Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or food sensitivities.

Lab Test Findings

The following lab tests help assess immune insufficiency and identify potential contributing factors:

Lab Test Name	Expected Changes	Optimal Range
% CD 3 Pos. Lymph.	Altered	57.5-86.2%
% CD 4 Pos. Lymph.	Altered	30.8-58.5%
% CD 8 Pos. Lymph.	Altered	12.0-35.5%
% CD19+ Lymphs	Altered	3.3-25.4%
% CD3+ CD25+ Lymphs	Altered	4.9-25.9%
Abs. CD3+ CD25+ Lymphs	Altered	79-535 Cells/µL
Abs.Cd19+ Lymphs	Altered	12-645 Cells/µL
Absolute CD 3	Altered	622-2402 Cells/µL
Absolute CD 4 Helper	Altered	47.2-98.5 Cells/µL
Absolute CD 8 Suppressor	Altered	109-897 Cells/µL
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Screen	Negative	Negative
Basophil %	Altered	0.00-1.00 %
CD4 : CD8 Ratio	Altered	0.92-3.72
Complement C4	Altered	15.00-57.00 mg/dL
DsDNA	Altered	0-9 IU/mL
HDL Cholesterol	Altered	45.00-100.00 mg/dL
Hemoglobin (Female)	Altered	11.70-15.50 g/dL
Lymphocyte %	Altered	14.00-46.00%
Monocyte %	Altered	4.00-13.00%
Neutrophil %	Altered	38.00-74.00%
WBC	Decreased	4.00-11.00 10^9/L

How Do We Treat It?

Treatment focuses on strengthening immune resilience, addressing potential hidden imbalances, and supporting overall immune function.

Refer to an Infectious Disease Specialist.

Additional Lifestyle Interventions:

• Comprehensive Nutrient Repletion: Ensure adequate levels of zinc, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Optimize Gut Health: Restore microbial balance with probiotics and prebiotics.
• Assess & Reduce Toxic Load: Address potential mold, heavy metal, or environmental toxin exposure.
• Prioritize Restorative Sleep: Implement sleep hygiene practices to support immune function.
• Support Stress Resilience: Engage in meditation, mindfulness, and adaptogenic herbs.