Micronutrients, Non-Nutrients and Mediterranean Diet: A Potential Protective Role Against COVID-19 through Modulation of PAF Actions and Metabolism

Abstract

The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an emerging situation with high rates of morbidity and mortality, in the pathophysiology of which inflammation and thrombosis are implicated. The disease is directly connected to the nutritional status of patients and a well-balanced diet is recommended by official sources. Recently, the role of platelet activating factor (PAF) was suggested in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. In the present review several micronutrients (vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals), phytonutrients and Mediterranean diet compounds (olive oil, fish, honey, plant foods) with potential anti-COVID activity are presented. We further underline that the well-known anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic actions of the investigated nutrients and/ or holistic dietary schemes, such as the Mediterranean diet, are also mediated through PAF. In conclusion, although there is no single food to prevent coronavirus, the aim is to follow a healthy diet containing PAF inhibitors in order to target both inflammation and thrombosis and try to avoid or/and reduce the deleterious effects of the COVID-19 epidemic.

COVID-19 and Nutrition

“…54,55 Indeed, micronutrients, non-nutrients, and Mediterranean diet have been proposed to exert a potential protective role against COVID-19 through modulation of PAF actions and metabolism. 56 To optimize vitamin D, a few minutes of sunlight exposure should be considered along with vitamin D-rich and -enriched foods. 11 Although several lines of evidence indicate a role of vitamin D supplementation in acute respiratory tract infection, 57 and ongoing studies with COVID-19 patients have included vitamin D as an adjunct therapeutic line in their protocol, 41 the supplementation with vitamin D is not officially recommended for COVID-19 prevention and/or treatment.…”

“…The antioxidant and antithrombotic effects of Mediterranean diet as a whole and its several individual components may act as a “weapon” against the cytokine storm of the disease53 and the activation of newly defined key molecules of COVID-19 pathogenesis, such as platelet activating factor (PAF) 54,55. Indeed, micronutrients, non-nutrients, and Mediterranean diet have been proposed to exert a potential protective role against COVID-19 through modulation of PAF actions and metabolism 56…”

“… 54 , 55 Indeed, micronutrients, non-nutrients, and Mediterranean diet have been proposed to exert a potential protective role against COVID-19 through modulation of PAF actions and metabolism. 56 …”

Herbal Sources of Magnesium as a Promising Multifaceted Intervention for the Management of COVID-19

“…Accordingly, researchers have investigated preventive and therapeutic effects of micronutrients on SARS-COV-2 infection as a novel concept. 13 A recent study showed that there is a regulatory effect of high-dose vitamin C on COVID-19-associated cytokine storm. 14 In addition, evidence showed that coping with micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamins D, E, zinc, and magnesium is essential in the treatment of COVID-19.…”