COVID-19: The Inflammation Link and the Role of Nutrition in Potential Mitigation

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has engulfed the world, affecting more than 180 countries. As a result, there has been considerable economic distress globally and a significant loss of life. Sadly, the vulnerable and immunocompromised in our societies seem to be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 complications. Global public health bodies and governments have ignited strategies and issued advisories on various handwashing and hygiene guidelines, social distancing strategies, and, in the most extreme cases, some countries have adopted “stay in place” or lockdown protocols to prevent COVID-19 spread. Notably, there are several significant risk factors for severe COVID-19 infection. These include the presence of poor nutritional status and pre-existing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes mellitus, chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), obesity, and various other diseases that render the patient immunocompromised. These diseases are characterized by systemic inflammation, which may be a common feature of these NCDs, affecting patient outcomes against COVID-19. In this review, we discuss some of the anti-inflammatory therapies that are currently under investigation intended to dampen the cytokine storm of severe COVID-19 infections. Furthermore, nutritional status and the role of diet and lifestyle is considered, as it is known to affect patient outcomes in other severe infections and may play a role in COVID-19 infection. This review speculates the importance of nutrition as a mitigation strategy to support immune function amid the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying food groups and key nutrients of importance that may affect the outcomes of respiratory infections.

Overview of the possible role of vitamin C in management of COVID-19

“…It is argued that regular use of vitamin C supplement reduced the duration of common cold symptoms [ 26 ]. There is a conceptual believe that 1–2 g/day of vitamin C prevents upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) [ 27 ]. As this dose cannot be obtained from diet, oral vitamin C supplement might be recommended for people at risk of respiratory tract infection.…”

Effective Immune Functions of Micronutrients against SARS-CoV-2

“…Moreover, chronic and severe infections can cause nutritional disorders and worsen a patient’s nutritional status, making them susceptible to other infections. Thus, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative for everyone to monitor their diet and nutritional status [ 19 ]. Recent reports have identified certain groups at higher risk of COVID-19-associated complications, with the elderly and individuals with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer more severely affected [ 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

Nutrition Behaviors in Polish Adults before and during COVID-19 Lockdown

“…Nutrition exerts a significant impact on overall health and the risk of disease. In relation to infectious diseases such as influenza and the new SARS-Cov-2 virus, food and nutrients also influence the way our immune system functions [ 15 ]. In this specific period, as preliminary studies by other authors showed, self-isolation may have been associated with a change in selected eating habits, including snacking or overeating caused by staying at home or lower physical activity that changed energy requirements [ 16 , 17 ].…”