Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections

Abstract

Public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations help reduce the spread and impact of infections. Nevertheless, the global burden of infection is high, and additional measures are necessary. Acute respiratory tract infections, for example, were responsible for approximately 2.38 million deaths worldwide in 2016. The role nutrition plays in supporting the immune system is well-established. A wealth of mechanistic and clinical data show that vitamins, including vitamins A, B 6 , B 12 , C, D, E, and folate; trace elements, including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, and copper; and the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid play important and complementary roles in supporting the immune system. Inadequate intake and status of these nutrients are widespread, leading to a decrease in resistance to infections and as a consequence an increase in disease burden. Against this background the following conclusions are made: (1) supplementation with the above micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids is a safe, effective, and low-cost strategy to help support optimal immune function; (2) supplementation above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but within recommended upper safety limits, for specific nutrients such as vitamins C and D is warranted; and (3) public health officials are encouraged to include nutritional strategies in their recommendations to improve public health.

Associations of blood essential and toxic metal(loid)s with both disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study

“…For essential minerals, as the world awaits an effective vaccine, nutrition may play an important and safe role in helping mitigate patient morbidity and mortality. Optimal nutritional status of relevant nutrients is important for a well-functioning immune system during the COVID-19 crisis [8,9]. Among the many essential nutrients, magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation after potassium, and involved in > 600 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those contributing to the exaggerated immune and in ammatory responses exhibited by COVID-19 patients [19].…”

“…Inadequate intake and status of micronutrients are widespread, leading to a decrease in resistance to infections and as a consequence an increase in disease burden [9]. Poor nutrient status is associated with in ammation and oxidative stress, which in turn can impact the immune system.…”

Diffusing wave microrheology of highly scattering concentrated monodisperse emulsions

“…Besides, mounting evidence shows the impact of nutritional factors on the functioning of the immune system through various mechanisms, including gut microbiota modulation [5,6]. Thus, nutrition may directly impact the risk of SARS CoV-2 infection and its prognosis [7][8][9][10]. It is therefore important to inform what happened during the lockdown period in terms of nutritional behaviours, and assess the related potential consequences for public health, now and in the future.…”

Addendum zu den S3-Leitlinien Morbus Crohn und Colitis ulcerosa: Betreuung von Patienten mit chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen in der COVID-19-Pandemie – offene Fragen und Antworten

“…Diese aus der SARS-und der HIV-Infektion bekannten Daten zeigen, dass Patienten mit einem unzureichenden Ernährungszustand eine schlechtere Prognose haben. Wenn auch bisher zu diesem Thema bezüglich COVID-19 und Mangelernährung noch keine eindeutigen Daten vorliegen [138,139], ist davon auszugehen, dass auch bei dieser Erkrankung ein unzureichender Ernährungszustand oder ein Mangel an Mikronährstoffen mit einem ungünstigeren Krankheitsverlauf verbunden sind.…”