Coronavirus and Nutrition: An Approach for Boosting Immune System-A Review

Abstract

The global health crisis as a result of covid-19 demands fast and efficient response from global health care system. The evidence of nutrition-based interventions for viral diseases from past clinical trials, and its importance for optimizing the host immune response was reviewed in this paper. The immune system has involved in the protection of the host from pathogenic organisms, communicating molecules and functional responses. It is a known factor that nutrition plays key role in supporting the immune system as the role of nutrients feature prominently in a number of scientific literatures. Several clinical data showed that micronutrients like vitamins, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and folic acid; trace elements including, zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, copper and the omega-3 fatty acids like EPA & DHA play a major role in supporting the immune system. Inadequate intake of these nutrients is widespread resulting to a decreasing in resistance to infections and an increasing in diseases burden. Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the roles of nutrition for strengthening immune system for the patients to have strong resistant against the virus is also considered in this paper. It is believed that COVID-19 increases its severity or a host is susceptible to infectious disease once the immune system does not function optimally.

Eating habits among primary and secondary school students in the Gaza Strip, Palestine: A cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…However, this age group showed the lowest score before and during the COVID-19 pandemic with regards to food quantity. Children students are at great risk when they are infected with the Coronavirus, so families with children are keen to pay attention to the quality of the food they eat to strengthen their immune system against diseases ( de Araújo Morais et al, 2020 ; François et al, 2020 ; Li et al, 2020 ; Naja and Hamadeh, 2020 ). Based on the health initiatives implemented by the MOH and MOEHE in the Gaza Strip through social media platforms, guardians know that children strongly need a healthy balanced diet and regular meals containing foods from each food group to ensure getting the required nutrients to help them stay healthy during this crisis.…”

The Role of Selected Bioactive Compounds and Micronutrients with Immune-enhancing Activity on the Prevention and Mitigation of SARS-CoV-2

“…Vitamin B9 (Folic acid), a water-soluble compound, is the precursor of coenzyme tetrahydrofolate and is involved in the synthesis of nucleic bases, purines and pyrimidines that make up nucleic acids of genetic material [55]. An animal model study demonstrated that folic acid deficiency causes thymus and spleen atrophy, and decreased circulating T-lymphocyte counts [55]. Similarly, Sheybani et al [56] reported that folic acid can inhibit furin activity, which facilitates the cleavage between ACE-2 and spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2.…”

“…A diet low in vitamin C in healthy young adult humans has been reported to reduce mononuclear cell by 50% and T-lymphocytemediated immune responses to antigens [85]. In addition, vitamin C supplementation has been reported to be effective against upper respiratory tract infections caused by the common cold [55]. Consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can be effective in fighting the new corona virus by strengthening the immune system.…”

“…Probiotics can inhibit the growth of pathogens by producing antibacterial substances such as bacteriocins and acids such as acetic, lactic and probiotic. Therefore, it is important to consume diets rich in probiotics for a healthy gut that can fight against COVID-19 [55]. In a study, it was observed that butyrate improves the intestinal barrier by regulating the attachment of tight-linked proteins in enterocyte models [193].…”

Milk Antiviral Proteins and Derived Peptides against Zoonoses

“…Despite the crucial priority of diagnosing and predicting outbreaks, the absence of effective antiviral vaccines and therapeutics remains a significant concern. While the potential of enhancing immunity through nutrient-balanced foods has been shown against viruses [14][15][16], a novel trend is exploring the antivirals in foods by reevaluating the ancient practices of using plant parts and their active constituents as conventional curative agents for chronic infections, including viral diseases [17][18][19]. In the current surge of research on functional foods and bioactive compounds, we see a growing body of evidence supporting the potential of foods as supplementary therapies [17,20]; however, there is still limited information about the potential of milk's proteins as antivirals, particularly within a One Health perspective.…”