scholarly journals The role of nutrition in COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 304
Author(s):  
Lestari Octavia ◽  
Johan Harlan

In the ongoing coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, the most vulnerable groups are those with pre-existing health problems and the elderly due to their reduced immune system to prevent infection. Nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining the immune system to prevent pathogen manifestation. This review aimed to identify and discuss the role of nutrients in COVID-19 in developing immunity. Studies included in this review were obtained from articles published in reputable journals accessed from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website, leading search engine, in a retrospective timeframe from January 1 to May 2, 2020, using specified keywords. The search resulted in seven articles relevant to the objective of the review. They highlighted the role of nutrients, namely the deficiency of essential nutrients that might exacerbate the health status. The consumption of certain nutrients, micronutrient and omega-3 might be tolerated up to the upper level of recommended dietary allowance (RDA) to benefit the health status. This review can assist in providing the prevention and mitigation approach to improve immunity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The government should expand the continuous delivery of messages regarding the benefit of appropriate nutrients in maintaining health and immune system. Furthermore, the current condition gives the best opportunity to educate the community on a healthy and balanced diet for daily life.

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 284-289
Author(s):  
Hee Jung Ahn

Diabetes patients are vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Therefore, challenges arise concerning how to manage nutrition support to strengthen the immune system in diabetes patients. The purpose of this paper is to review the roles of macronutrients and specific micronutrients such as vitamin D, B12, folate, selenium, and zinc in supporting the immune system and examine the nutritional management method of diabetes patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence indicates that adequate amounts of protein, high omega-3 fatty acids, low refined sugars, high fiber content such as whole grains, and micronutrients including vitamin D, Bsub>12, folate, selenium, and zinc impact immune system function in diabetes patients. Consumption of a balanced diet with these nutrients is best to support the immune system in diabetes patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.


2015 ◽  
Vol 87 (2 suppl) ◽  
pp. 1475-1486 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALEXANDRA I. ZUGNO ◽  
LARA CANEVER ◽  
GUSTAVO MASTELLA ◽  
ALEXANDRA S. HEYLMANN ◽  
MARIANA B. OLIVEIRA ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTNew studies suggest that polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3, may reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. The present study evaluated the preventive effect of omega-3 on interleukines (IL) and neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the brains of young rats subjected to a model of schizophrenia. Treatment was performed over 21 days, starting on the 30th day of rat's life. After 14 days of treatment with omega-3 or vehicle, a concomitant treatment with saline or ketamine (25 mg/kg) was started and maintained until the last day of the experiment. BDNF levels in the rat's prefrontal cortex were decreased at 1 h and 24 h after the last administration of ketamine, whereas the group administered with ketamine and omega-3 showed a decrease in BDNF levels only after 24 h. In contrast, both interventions induced similar responses in levels of IL-1β and IL6. These findings suggest that the similarity of IL-1β and IL6 levels in our experimental groups is due to the mechanism of action of ketamine on the immune system. More studies have to be carried out to explain this pathology. In conclusion, according to previous studies and considering the current study, we could suggest a prophylactic role of omega-3 against the outcome of symptoms associated with schizophrenia.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Pecora ◽  
Federica Persico ◽  
Alberto Argentiero ◽  
Cosimo Neglia ◽  
Susanna Esposito

Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
pp. 855-867
Author(s):  
Elika Sifra Lidya ◽  
Mitro Subroto

LAPAS or Correctional Institution under the auspices of the Directorate General of Corrections is the final place of the criminal justice system process that fosters and integrates the social of convicts, so that when returning to society they are able to live a normal life. Elderly (according to Law No. 13 of 1998: Elderly) is a person whose age reaches the age of 60 years and above. In its efforts, Correctional Services interpret this understanding by regulating the rights of inmates contained in Law no. 12 of 1995 article 14 paragraph 1.The increasing age and declining body condition of the elderly inmates need special treatment both in health, treatment, and public services. Elderly inmates as much as possible are treated as people usually are, it's just that the place and application are different. This is for the implementation of part of Human Rights (HAM) as a national instrument. This special handling effort involves other stakeholders be it medical or health workers and the government to support the infrastructure needed. The elderly as one of the vulnerable groups become important objects in terms of how decent handlers are so that they feel cared for in their twilight years. Although until now still in the process and stages of refinement of special handling for them. The fact is still not optimal and this study illustrates how well the effort is.


2019 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 1799-1836 ◽  
Author(s):  
João F Cocco ◽  
Paula Lopes

Abstract We study the role of housing wealth in financing retirement consumption. In our model retirees: 1. derive utility benefits from remaining in their home (aging in place); and 2. choose in each period whether to maintain their house. The evidence that we present shows that these features are important in explaining the saving decisions of the elderly. The costs and the maintenance requirement of reverse mortgages (RMs) reduce (or eliminate) the benefits of the loans for retirees who wish to do less maintenance. We evaluate the impact of different loan features on retirees’ utility, cash-flows to lenders, and to the government agency that provides mortgage insurance. We show that combining RMs with insurance against a forced home sale (e.g. due to a move to a nursing home) is Pareto improving and can lead to increased demand for the loans due to product complementarities.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Fara Disa Durry ◽  
Bambang Wirjatmadi

The epidemiology of Tuberculosis (TB) showed that TB is a disease which is associated with malnutrition. Malnutrition and lacking of certain essential nutrients required by immune system might cause immune function deficiency resulting higher susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections. There is positive correlation between immune system and high nutrient contents, such as Vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants that brings good effect on infections, including Tuberculosis. One of the efforts conducted to help promoting improving albumin level on pulmonary tuberculosis patients is through zinc and sulphate provision followed by Omega-3 supplementation. This study was conducted in 2015 aimed to analyze the role of Zinc Sulphate Omega-3 provision in improving albumin level on pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Paru Hospital, Surabaya.This study applied randomized study design using Pre-test and Post-test Control group design on patients suffering pulmonary tuberculosis. This study was conducted by administering Zinc Sulphate and Omega-3 on treatment group and placebo on the control group. The samples of this study consisted of 20 pulmonary tuberculosis patients divided into two groups: treatment group and control group. Each group consisted of 10 patients. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired T-test and independent t-test. The results is There were significant differences in albumin level (p = 0.001) in the treatment group before and after supplementation Zinc Sulphate And Omega 3. While in the control group between before and after supplementation Zinc Sulphate And Omega 3 showed no significant differences in body weight (p = 0.224). The conclusions is Zinc Sulphate and Omega 3 plays a role in increasing albumin level respondents. There are significant differences on albumin level before and after supplementation Zinc Sulphate And Omega 3.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 3367
Author(s):  
Seodhna M. Lynch ◽  
Guangran Guo ◽  
David S. Gibson ◽  
Anthony J. Bjourson ◽  
Taranjit Singh Rai

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in a global pandemic associated with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, with particular risk for severe disease and mortality in the elderly population. SARS-CoV-2 infection is driven by a pathological hyperinflammatory response which results in a dysregulated immune response. Current advancements in aging research indicates that aging pathways have fundamental roles in dictating healthspan in addition to lifespan. Our review discusses the aging immune system and highlights that senescence and aging together, play a central role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. In our review, we primarily focus on the immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the interconnection between severe COVID-19, immunosenescence, aging, vaccination, and the emerging problem of Long-COVID. We hope to highlight the importance of identifying specific senescent endotypes (or “sendotypes”), which can used as determinants of COVID-19 severity and mortality. Indeed, identified sendotypes could be therapeutically exploited for therapeutic intervention. We highlight that senolytics, which eliminate senescent cells, can target aging-associated pathways and therefore are proving attractive as potential therapeutic options to alleviate symptoms, prevent severe infection, and reduce mortality burden in COVID-19 and thus ultimately enhance healthspan.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-114
Author(s):  
Mihaela Jurdana ◽  
Darja Barlič-Maganja

Gut microbiota is the name given today to the bacterial population living in our intestine. It provides nutrients, metabolites and affects the immune system. Recent animals and human studies suggest that regular physical activity increases the presence of beneficial microbial species of gut microbiota and improves the health status of the host. When gut bacteria diversity reduces, there are systemic consequences leading to gastrointestinal, physiological and psychological distress. This review describes the communication pathway of the microbiota-gut-brain axes and other possible mechanisms by which physical activity causes changes in microbiota composition. Furthermore, it provides the latest evidence of the beneficial role of exercise, which in turn can affect health and various disease processes. The results of research studies in this area are increasingly becoming a focus of scientific attention.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 308-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Farioli-Vecchioli ◽  
Stefano Sacchetti ◽  
Nicolis V. di Robilant ◽  
Debora Cutuli

Author(s):  
Michael P. Wakeman

The elderly are a growing proportion of the global population. They are more susceptible to non-communicable diseases and respiratory viral diseases like influenza and covid19, which may lead to increased levels of morbidity and mortality than those of a younger generation. It is also reported that co-morbidities, especially diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease contribute significantly to the prognosis with these types of infections. That the immune system operates in a less efficient way as an individual ages, is now well understood and likely contributes significantly to this situation. The role of certain micronutrients in maintaining a healthy immune system is well recognised and demonstrated to play an important role both in preventing and controlling infection. However, for a number of reasons many elderly individuals have a less than optimal intake of many of the micronutrients that support the immune system. This review examines the contributory roles an aging immune system, suboptimal intake of micronutrients, comorbidities and the impact of the intake of medications typically used to treat them can play in the outcome of viral respiratory infections. It identifies the need for supplementation, especially in the elderly to support the immune system.


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