The role of micronutrient and immunomodulation effect in the vaccine era of COVID-19

Abstract

Different dietary nutrients have distinct effects, including enhancing immune response activity and supporting mucous membrane integrity. These effects are critical in fighting against pathogenic agents, which cover coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the coronavirus disease that shuts down globally. Recent researches have shown that micronutrient deficiency is commonly associated with compromised immune responses, respiratory tract infections, or even susceptibility to COVID-19. The relationship between Vit A and infection is its role in mucosal epithelium integrity (skin and mucous membrane), the supplementation could be an option for assisted-treating the SARS-CoV-2 virus and a possible prevention of lung infection. Vit C/ascorbic acid stimulates oxygen radical scavenging activity of the skin and enhances epithelial barrier function. Ascorbic acid alone or with other natural compounds (baicalin and theaflavin) may inhibit the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme II in human small alveolar epithelial cells and limited the entry of SARS-CoV-2. Vitamin D receptors can be expressed by immune cells, and different immune cells (macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, T cells, and B cells) can convert Vit D into its active form 1,25-(OH)2 D. Oral vitamin D intake can be a readily way to restrict the viral infection through downregulation of ACE2 receptor and to attenuate the disease severity by decreasing the frequency of cytokine storm and pulmonary pro-inflammatory response. Vit E supports T-cell mediated functions, optimization of Th1 response, and suppression of Th2 response. Vitamin E supplementation can lower the production of superoxides and may favors the antioxidants and benefit the progress of COVID-19 treatment. Zinc plays an essential role in both innate and adaptive immune systems and cytokine production, and Zinc-dependent viral enzymes to initiate the infectious process have proved the Zinc levels are directly associated with symptoms relieved of COVID-19. Iron is an essential component of enzymes involved in the activation of immune cells, lower iron levels predispose to severe symptoms of SARS-CoV-2, and monitoring the status can predict the disease severity and mortality. Selenium participates in the adaptive immune response by supporting antibody production and development. Deficiency can reduce antibody concentration, decreased cytotoxicity of NK cells, compromised cellular immunity, and an attenuated response to vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccines including three broad categories, protein-based vaccines, gene-based vaccines (mRNA vaccines and DNA vaccines), combination of gene and protein-based vaccines. Micronutrients are involved in immunity from the virus entering the human to innate immune response and adaptive immune response. Micronutrients are indispensable in immune response of vaccination.

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

“…Therefore, various authors recommend the early use of substances, such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin D [ 41 ], as well as other micronutrients, to increase resistance to COVID-19 [ 42 ]. This should be done especially in areas at highest risk of developing COVID-19 and as early as possible in the case of suspected infections [ 43 ].…”

The Perception of Minerals and Their Prevalence in Fortified Foods and Supplements in Japan

“…In this situation, some dietary supplements on the market that contain these nutrients are claimed to have anti-COVID-19 effects, even though there is no evidence that dietary supplements can prevent COVID-19 in healthy people. However, it has been reported that micronutrients play an important role in the immune response of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination [50]. Therefore, the awareness of these micronutrients in consumers is important to maintain their health and keep their vaccination effective.…”

Immunomodulatory Role of Microelements in COVID-19 Outcome: a Relationship with Nutritional Status

“…Several studies have reported a possible association between deficiency of Vit B compounds with COVID-19 (Table 1 ) [ 4 , 38 , 54 , 56 ]. For example, in 311 French participants of the NutriNet-Santé study, a lower consumption of Vit B9 was detected in patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 when compared to 7455 healthy participants ( OR = 0.84 (0.72,0.98), p = 0.02) [ 57 ].…”