Nutritional approach for increasing public health during pandemic of COVID-19: A comprehensive review of antiviral nutrients and nutraceuticals

Abstract

Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is considered as the most life-threatening pandemic disease during the last decade. The individual nutritional status, though usually ignored in the management of COVID-19, plays a critical role in the immune function and pathogenesis of infection. Accordingly, the present review article aimed to report the effects of nutrients and nutraceuticals on respiratory viral infections including COVID-19, with a focus on their mechanisms of action. Methods: Studies were identified via systematic searches of the databases including PubMed/ MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar from 2000 until April 2020, using keywords. All relevant clinical and experimental studies published in English were included. Results: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is common in severe respiratory infections and should be considered in the management of COVID-19 patients. On the other hand, obesity can be accompanied by decreasing the host immunity. Therefore, increasing physical activity at home and a slight caloric restriction with adequate intake of micronutrients and nutraceuticals are simple aids to boost host immunity and decrease the clinical manifestations of COVID-19. Conclusion: The most important nutrients which can be considered for COVID-19 management are vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, zinc, and probiotics. Their adequacy should be provided through dietary intake or appropriate supplementation. Moreover, adequate intake of some other dietary agents including vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, alpha linolenic acid and phytochemicals are required to maintain the host immunity.

Consumption of Food Supplements during the Three COVID-19 Waves in Poland—Focus on Zinc and Vitamin D

“…Fe modulates the differentiation and proliferation of T-cells and the production of reactive oxygen species, which take part in removing infectious agents. The influence of PUFAs on viral infections is not well established and requires further research [9]. Sufficient Se intake supports the immune system, while Se deficiency impairs innate and acquired immunity by the negative influence on cellular as well as humoral immunity (i.e., the production of antibodies) [10].…”

The Role of Nutrients in Prevention, Treatment and Post-Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19)

“…Furthermore, vitamin B6 activates innate and adaptive immunity by influencing the proliferation of immune cells [ 35 ], Zn influences the development and activity of both neutrophils and NK cells [ 36 ], Fe regulates the differentiation and proliferation of T lymphocytes and, through the production of reactive oxygen species, plays a role in the removal of infectious agents [ 37 ]. Finally, selenium supports the activity of the immune system, as the deficiency of Se compromises both innate and acquired immunity [ 38 ].…”

“…Furthermore, we highlighted that nutrients play a role in reducing inflammation. They inhibit leukocyte chemotaxis, inflammatory cytokine production, and T lymphocyte reactivity [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 35 , 37 , 38 ]. Moreover, they give rise to resolvins and protectins, which participate in the resolution of inflammation by normalizing excessive immune reactions [ 39 ].…”

Impact of Diets on Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) Therapy against Tumors

“…Vitamin B6 is one of the B complex vitamins, which are important contributors of nutritional support to the immune system. Its deficiency can alter immune function considerably by disturbing nucleic acid production and protein synthesis, impeding the maturation and growth of lymphocytes and impairing the production of antibodies and T cells activity [ 69 , 148 ]. Abundant epidemiological studies have validated that dietary vitamin B6 intake was correlated with reduced tumor incidence [ 149 ].…”