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.