scholarly journals COVID-19 AND NUTRITION

Author(s):  
O. Krekhovska-Lepiavko ◽  
B. Lokay ◽  
S. Yastremska ◽  
N. Reha ◽  
O. Bushtynska ◽  
...  

Summary. Currently Covid-19 pandemic is a leading challenge across the globe. It is mandatory to attain and maintain good nutritional status to fight against virus. Nutritional status of individual is affected by several factors such as age, sex, health status, life style and medications. Nutritional status of individuals has been used as resilience towards destabilization during this COVID-19 pandemic. Optimal nutrition and dietary nutrient intake impact the immune system, therefore the only sustainable way to survive in current context is to strengthen the immune system. There is no evidence found that supplement can cure the immune system except Vit C, which is one of the best way to improve immune system. A proper diet can ensure that the body is in proper state to defeat the virus. However along with the dietary management guidelines the food safety management and good food practices is compulsory. This article explores the importance of nutrition to boost immunity and gives some professional and authentic dietary guidelines about nutrition and food safety to withstand COVID-19. The aim of the study – to analyze and systematize the literature data about the influence of nutrition on the manifestation of COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods. The study uses publications of the world scientific literature on COVID-19 infection, in particular the causes and mechanisms of its development, treatment, complications and its consequences as well as the influence of different nutrients and nutrasuticals on the course of COVID-19. This review highlights the nutritional interventions to increase the immune response in the body during viral infections, especially considering the novel coronavirus pandemic. Due to their beneficial effects on general healthcare and disease prophylaxis, nutraceuticals have been gaining more and more importance lately. Results. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the nutritional status of individuals has been used as a measure of resilience toward destabilization. Optimal nutrition and dietary nutrient intake impact the immune system through gene expression, cell activation, and signaling molecules modification. In addition, various dietary ingredients are determinants of gut microbial composition and subsequently shape the immune responses in the body. Therefore the existing evidence suggests that the only sustainable way to survive in the current situation is to strengthen the immune system. An adequate intake of zinc, iron, and vitamins A, B 12, B6, C, and E is essential for the maintenance of immune function. In the current scenario, COVID-19 has imposed a new set of challenges for the individual to maintain a healthy diet. The state of self-isolation, lockdown, and social distancing are important measures to flattening the curve of the disease, although these measures have severe repercussions on an individual’s life. The act of confining to one’s home has significant impacts on one’s health, including changes in eating patterns, sleeping habits, and physical activity. It would promote sedentary behaviors that affect mental and physical health and lead to an increased risk of obesity. Fear and anxiety may also cause changes in dietary habits leading to unhealthy dietary patterns and less desire to eat or with lessened enjoyment during eating. Micronutrients are dietary components that may contribute substantially to a robust immune system. Essential micronutrients like vitamins  A, D, E, C, B6, B12, and folate and trace elements such as iron, zinc, and selenium, available in a variety of fresh animal- and plant-based foods, aid the body’s ability to fight infections. Conclusions. COVID-19 became the most challenging pandemic influencing all countries worldwide. A proper and healthy diet can ensure a robust immune system that can resist any onslaught by the virus. A certain amount of particular nutrient saturates into cells and prevents any kind of nutritional deficiency. Individuals consuming well-balanced diets appear to be safer with better immune systems and lower incidence of chronic diseases and infections.

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (COVID19-S4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faseeha Aman ◽  
Sadia Masood

Currently Covid-19 pandemic is a leading challenge across the globe. It is mandatory to attain and maintain good nutritional status to fight against virus. Nutritional status of individual is affected by several factors such as age, sex, health status, life style and medications. Nutritional status of individuals has been used as resilience towards destabilization during this COVID-19 pandemic. Optimal nutrition and dietary nutrient intake impact the immune system, therefore the only sustainable way to survive in current context is to strengthen the immune system. There is no evidence found that supplement can cure the immune system except Vit C, which is one of the best way to improve immune system. A proper diet can ensure that the body is in proper state to defeat the virus. However along with the dietary management guidelines the food safety management and good food practices is compulsory. This article explores the importance of nutrition to boost immunity and gives some professional and authentic dietary guidelines about nutrition and food safety to withstand COVID-19. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2776 How to cite this:Aman F, Masood S. How Nutrition can help to fight against COVID-19 Pandemic. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(COVID19-S4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2776 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


Author(s):  
Meghit Boumediene Khaled ◽  
Nada Benajiba

The immune system is involved in the protection of host against environmental agents such as pathogenic micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) and chemicals, thereby preserving the integrity of the body. To preserve organism defense mechanisms, adequate nutritional status should be maintained with appropriate intakes of calories, vitamins, minerals and water that should be continuously provided by a healthy diet. The emergence of new infectious diseases with new pathogenic properties constitutes a serious health issue worldwide. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) represents one of the most recent emerging infectious diseases, caused by a novel coronavirus member called (SARS-CoV-2), identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China in December 2019, and recognized as pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The nutritional status of each COVID-19-infected patient should be assessed prior undertaking treatments. Nutritional support should be the basis of management of any infected individual. However, prevention measures remain the first priority and strategy to develop throughout proper hygiene, healthy diet and staying home. Keywords: Nutrition, Immune system, Viral diseases, SARS-CoV-2.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Singh ◽  
S Gupta ◽  
T S Mishra ◽  
B D Banerjee ◽  
T Sharma ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Nephrolithiasis is pathological calcification in the excretory passages of the body and is prevalent among 7.6% of Indians. We aimed to study the various risk factors associated with renal stones from India. Method It was a hospital-based case-control study conducted over 18 months in a tertiary hospital in Delhi. Cases were defined as patients with renal stones diagnosed on the basis of history and radiological examination. Controls were similar to cases in all respects except for the diagnosis and selected from the hospital. A total of 18 risk factors, including age, gender, heavy metals, stress, metabolic factors, alcohol intake, dietary habits, co-morbidities, etc. were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the strength of the risk associations. Results In the analysis of 60 cases and controls, we found 6 times, 5.5 times, and 2.4 times increased odds of renal stones in patients with increased arsenic, cadmium, and lead concentrations in blood, respectively. Similarly, there are 3 times increased odds of renal stones in patients suffering from stress. Conclusions Exposure to smoke, occupation dust, and contaminated water may lead to an increased ingestion/inhalation of heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, and predisposing people to an increased risk of renal stones.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naser A. Alsharairi

Research has amply demonstrated that early life dysbiosis of the gut microbiota influences the propensity to develop asthma. The influence of maternal nutrition on infant gut microbiota is therefore of growing interest. However, a handful of prospective studies have examined the role of maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy in influencing the infant gut microbiota but did not assess whether this resulted in an increased risk of asthma later in life. The mechanisms involved in the process are also, thus far, poorly documented. There have also been few studies examining the effect of maternal dietary nutrient intake during lactation on the milk microbiota, the effect on the infant gut microbiota and, furthermore, the consequences for asthma development remain largely unknown. Therefore, the specific aim of this mini review is summarizing the current knowledge regarding the effect of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation on the infant gut microbiota composition, and whether it has implications for asthma development.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Janet AgyarkwaaOti ◽  
Guy Eshun

Even though empirical evidence exists to validate the avowal that dietary habits hold the key in reducing the surge in non-communicable diseases among adolescents and young adults and for optimal nutritional status, little is known about the nexus of these variables in the Ghanaian context and much less in Ghanaian universities. In view of this dearth in literature, this study investigated dietary habits and its effect on nutritional status among undergraduate students of the Winneba Campus of University of Education, Winneba. Using the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) as the theoretical basis, this study adopted the cross-sectional descriptive survey research design with the quantitative approach where proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select 3,065 students for the study. The assessment of nutritional status was done where height and weight were measured in Kg/m2and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on the recommendations by the World Health Organization. Data on the dietary habits was collected with a closed-ended questionnaire which was analyzed using both descriptive statistics like frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation as well as inferential statistics such as multiple regression.The study discovered that undergraduate students of the University of Education, Winneba, were of normal weight than overweight and underweight while obesity was ranked the least. The study further revealed that even though students moderately consumed fish, meat, eggs and dairy products legumes and nuts, they had a low intake of fruits and vegetables, but high consumption of energy-dense foods and fast foods such as cakes, pastries, cookies, deep-fried foods, biscuits, sandwiches, indomie and of soft drinks. It was further established that majority of the students skipped meals notably breakfast. Besides, the study showed that all the dietary habits outlined in the study collectively contributed significantly to students’ nutritional status. Therefore, it is recommended that the University through its health directorate and the Department of Food and Nutrition should regularly organize health talks and symposiums to admonish students on the dangers of not observing optimal dietary habits. Additionally, the University through its Academic Board should introduce a general course on nutrition education to equip students with current theories in dietary practices for improved dietary habits.


Nutrients ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 212
Author(s):  
Claudia D’Alessandro ◽  
Alessia Benedetti ◽  
Antonello Di Paolo ◽  
Domenico Giannese ◽  
Adamasco Cupisti

Drugs and food interact mutually: drugs may affect the nutritional status of the body, acting on senses, appetite, resting energy expenditure, and food intake; conversely, food or one of its components may affect bioavailability and half-life, circulating plasma concentrations of drugs resulting in an increased risk of toxicity and its adverse effects, or therapeutic failure. Therefore, the knowledge of these possible interactions is fundamental for the implementation of a nutritional treatment in the presence of a pharmacological therapy. This is the case of chronic kidney disease (CKD), for which the medication burden could be a problem, and nutritional therapy plays an important role in the patient’s treatment. The aim of this paper was to review the interactions that take place between drugs and foods that can potentially be used in renal patients, and the changes in nutritional status induced by drugs. A proper definition of the amount of food/nutrient intake, an adequate definition of the timing of meal consumption, and a proper adjustment of the drug dosing schedule may avoid these interactions, safeguarding the quality of life of the patients and guaranteeing the effectiveness of drug therapy. Hence, a close collaboration between the nephrologist, the renal dietitian, and the patient is crucial. Dietitians should consider that food may interact with drugs and that drugs may affect nutritional status, in order to provide the patient with proper dietary suggestions, and to allow the maximum effectiveness and safety of drug therapy, while preserving/correcting the nutritional status.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 4670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Gualtieri ◽  
Carmela Falcone ◽  
Lorenzo Romano ◽  
Sebastiano Macheda ◽  
Pierpaolo Correale ◽  
...  

Obesity is a characteristic of COVID-19 patients and the risk of malnutrition can be underestimated due to excess of fat: a paradoxical danger. Long ICU hospitalization exposes patients to a high risk of wasting and loss of lean body mass. The complex management precludes the detection of anthropometric parameters for the definition and monitoring of the nutritional status. The use of imaging diagnostics for body composition could help to recognize and treat patients at increased risk of wasting with targeted pathways. COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU underwent computed tomography within 24 h and about 20 days later, to evaluate the parameters of the body and liver composition. The main results were the loss of the lean mass index and a greater increase in liver attenuation in obese subjects. These could be co-caused by COVID-19, prolonged bed rest, the complex medical nutritional therapy, and the starting condition of low-grade inflammation of the obese. The assessment of nutritional status, with body composition applied to imaging diagnostics and metabolic profiles in COVID-19, will assist in prescribing appropriate medical nutritional therapy. This will reduce recovery times and complications caused by frailty.


2017 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
William V. Williams

Estrogens and progestins are known to have profound effects on the immune system and may modulate the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed for any of 153 autoimmune disease terms and the terms contraception, contraceptive, or their chemical components with limits of Humans + Title or Abstract. Over 1,800 titles were returned and scanned, 352 papers retrieved and reviewed in depth and an additional 70 papers retrieved from the bibliographies. Based on this review, substantial evidence exists linking the use of combined oral contraceptives to a lower incidence of hyperthyroidism, an increase in multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and interstitial cystitis. Progesterone only contraceptives are linked to progesterone dermatitis and in one large developing world concurrent cohort study are associated with increases in arthropathies and related disorders, eczema and contact dermatitis, pruritis and related conditions, alopecia, acne, and urticaria. Hormonal contraceptives modulate the immune system and may influence the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases with significant increases in risk for several autoimmune diseases. Summary Hormonal contraceptives (HCs), such as the “pill,” Norplant, and vaginal rings, are very potent hormones that have effects on the immune system, which is made up of white blood cells and lymph nodes and normally defends the body against invading bacteria, viruses and parasites. This review looked at the association of HC use to the development of autoimmune diseases, where the immune system turns against the body and causes damage to organs. There is good evidence that HC use is associated with an increased risk of several serious autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease (which causes inflammation of the bowels), Lupus (which causes inflammation in many organs), and interstitial cystitis (which causes inflammation in the bladder). Several other rarer autoimmune diseases are also linked to HC use. People contemplating the use of HCs should be informed of these risks.


2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Neha Vaidya ◽  
Subhadra Mandalika

Early identification of cognitive failure and its association with nutritional status might aid in the planning of appropriate prevention strategies. The present study was planned to find out the association between the age, gender, body composition and dietary nutrient consumption of adult males and females residing in the city of Mumbai, with their cognitive ability. Four hundred apparently healthy adults (20-60 years) residing in the city of Mumbai were purposively selected for the survey. Cognitive ability of participants was assessed using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) tool. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were analysed using standard procedures. Information on the dietary nutrient intake was collected using 3 day dietary recall method. Data was statistically analysed using the IBM SPSS (Version 22) software and Microsoft excel 2007 for windows. MCI was found in 21.5% of the participants. High prevalence of general and abdominal obesity was also observed in the participants. Data on the dietary nutrient intake showed that young adults (20-40 years) with high dietary fat especially SFA and MUFA consumption were found to be at a lower risk of developing MCI. Their anthropometric parameters i.e. Body Mass Index positively correlated with cognitive scores (p<0.05) whereas in older adults (40-60 years), body fat showed negative association (p<0.05) where as height, muscle mass and bone mass showed positive association with their cognitive scores (p<0.01). Thus, results of the study suggested that early detection of cognitive impairment would facilitate prevention of further neurodegeneration. Hence, identifying and preventing risk factors of cognitive impairment such as obesity and encouraging consumption of neuroprotective foods would help in the prevention of cognitive impairment.


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