scholarly journals The relevance of nutrition as a step forward to combat COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-66
Author(s):  
Zoran Zhivikj ◽  
Tanja Petreska Ivanovska ◽  
Lidija Petrushevska-Tozi
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Human Immune System ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Prophylactic Measure ◽  
Balanced Diet

A new type of single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the coronavirus’s family named SARS-CoV-2 has recently appeared, with fast-growing human to human transmissions. This virus has posed an important global health threat. Many nutrients can support the immune system and help in preventing or in ameliorating the response to viral infections. In the case of COVID-19, the unique pathophysiology of the coronavirus needs to be understood, in order to determine whether any potential nutrition intervention is indicated. A literature survey that comprised of ongoing research was conducted to evaluate the benefits of the bioactives present in food, such as: plant-derived extracts, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and prebiotics, against the mechanisms of the COVID-19 infection. Although no food is yet confirmed to help in the prevention or in the treatment of the coronavirus transmission alone, exploring the possible implications of nutrition-infection interrelationships is of utmost importance. Well-designed and controlled clinical studies are emerging to explain whether the higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods, unsaturated fatty acids, and other natural functional foods may aid in combating the COVID-19 infection. Meanwhile, a healthy and balanced diet is traditionally practised in viral infections that support the healthy gut microbiota profile. The human immune system function should be a vital prophylactic measure, along with adequate physical activities and sleeping habits. The consumption of immune-supportive nutrients is also encouraged in the elderly, comorbid, and in the immune-compromised as well as in malnourished individuals, in order to minimise the complications and the negative outcomes that are associated with the COVID-19 disease. Keywords: COVID-19 nutrition, mаcronutrients, micronutrients, bioactive compounds, malnutrition

scholarly journals Link between Viral Infections, Immune System, Inflammation and Diet

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2455
Author(s):  
Carlotta Suardi ◽  
Emanuela Cazzaniga ◽  
Stephanie Graci ◽  
Dario Dongo ◽  
Paola Palestini
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Virgin Olive Oil ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
Extra Virgin Olive Oil ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Low Grade Inflammation

The strong spread of COVID-19 and the significant number of deaths associated with it could be related to improper lifestyles, which lead to a low-grade inflammation (LGI) that not only increases the risk of chronic diseases, but also the risk of facing complications relating to infections and a greater susceptibility to infections themselves. Recently, scientific research has widely demonstrated that the microbiota plays a fundamental role in modulating metabolic responses in the immune system. There is, in fact, a two-way interaction between lifestyle, infection, and immunity. The immune response is compromised if nutrition is unbalanced or insufficient, because diet affects the intestinal flora predisposing people to infections and, at the same time, the nutritional state can be aggravated by the immune response itself to the infection. We evaluate the link between balanced diet, the efficiency of the immune system, and microbiota with the aim of providing some practical advice for individuals, with special attention to the elderly. A correct lifestyle that follows the Mediterranean model, which is especially rich in plant-based foods along with the use of extra-virgin olive oil, are the basis of preventing LGI and other chronic pathologies, directly influencing the intestinal microbiota and consequently the immune response.

scholarly journals Respiratory viral infections in the elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 175346662199505
Author(s):  
Alastair Watson ◽  
Tom M. A. Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Respiratory Viral Infections ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Prolonged Hospital

With the global over 60-year-old population predicted to more than double over the next 35 years, caring for this aging population has become a major global healthcare challenge. In 2016 there were over 1 million deaths in >70 year olds due to lower respiratory tract infections; 13–31% of these have been reported to be caused by viruses. Since then, there has been a global COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused over 2.3 million deaths so far; increased age has been shown to be the biggest risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Thus, the burden of respiratory viral infections in the elderly is becoming an increasing unmet clinical need. Particular challenges are faced due to the interplay of a variety of factors including complex multimorbidities, decreased physiological reserve and an aging immune system. Moreover, their atypical presentation of symptoms may lead to delayed necessary care, prescription of additional drugs and prolonged hospital stay. This leads to morbidity and mortality and further nosocomial spread. Clinicians currently have limited access to sensitive detection methods. Furthermore, a lack of effective antiviral treatments means there is little incentive to diagnose and record specific non-COVID-19 viral infections. To meet this unmet clinical need, it is first essential to fully understand the burden of respiratory viruses in the elderly. Doing this through prospective screening research studies for all respiratory viruses will help guide preventative policies and clinical trials for emerging therapeutics. The implementation of multiplex point-of-care diagnostics as a mainstay in all healthcare settings will be essential to understand the burden of respiratory viruses, diagnose patients and monitor outbreaks. The further development of novel targeted vaccinations as well as anti-viral therapeutics and new ways to augment the aging immune system is now also essential. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

scholarly journals Potential Roles of Vitamins in the Management of COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Homa Rezaei ◽  
Sajad Khiali ◽  
Haleh Rezaee ◽  
Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi ◽  
Matin Pourghasem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Underrepresented Minorities ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Severity Of The Disease

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a public health crisis worldwide. However, data regarding the protective factors of the disease is limited. Consequently, preventive health measures that can decrease the risk of infection, progression, and severity are dreadfully required. It is well-documented that people with immunodeficiency, such as the elderly, people who already have comorbidities (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypertension, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders), and underrepresented minorities, are placed in a group with a higher risk of getting infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants plays an essential role in strengthening the immune system and fighting against invading pathogens. The present comprehensive review has discussed published literature regarding the potential role of vitamins in strengthening the immune system and managing viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although there are controversial data regarding the plasma level of vitamin D and the severity of the disease, according to the limited evidence, vitamin D may lower the mortality rate. Moreover, vitamin C could reduce the development of inflammatory response; however, the results of ongoing clinical trials are required to confirm these primary findings.

scholarly journals COVID-19: human immune response and the influence of food ingredients and active compounds

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Raphael Ayivi ◽  
Salam Ibrahim ◽  
Heather Colleran ◽  
Roberta Silva ◽  
Leonard Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Critical Element ◽  
Human Immune System ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
Influence Of Food ◽  
Human Immune ◽  
The Impact

The human immune system is the first line of defense in the prevention of viruses and diseases, and several immune response mechanisms are engaged at the onset of a pathogenic attack. In this review, we elucidate the human immune system as a critical element in protecting humans from COVID-19 by describing the immune process, explaining how the immune system functions, and highlighting the immune system’s global importance in fighting infections. Potential challenges that limit the  proper functioning of the immune system are also discussed. In addition, we address the impact of nutrition on boosting the body’s defenses against COVID-19. For example, some foods and active compounds from food ingredients have been suggested as a way to strengthen the immune system. Physical exercise has also been encouraged as an important way to support the immune response to viral infections. The aim of this review is thus to outline holistic self-defense immunity mechanisms that can help to reduce the risk of viral infections in humans. This review could therefore be used as a comprehensive resource for educating consumers and the general public about measures that can enhance the body’s immune support system as we continue to fight COVID-19 and its variants.Keywords: Immunity, Covid-19 COVID-19, Nutrition, Bioactive compounds, Food Ingredients

scholarly journals Selenium and RNA virus interactions: Potential implications for SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Hiffler ◽  
Benjamin Rakotoambinina
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Spectrum Management ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Global Response ◽  
Se Deficiency ◽  
Virus Interactions ◽  
Vulnerable Elderly

SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that already claimed more than 340,000 lives worldwide as of May 23, 2020, the majority of which are elderly. Selenium (Se), a natural trace element, has a key and complex role in the immune system. It is well-documented that Se deficiency is associated with higher susceptibility to RNA viral infections and more severe disease outcome. In this article, we firstly present evidence on how Se deficiency promotes mutations, replication and virulence of RNA viruses. Next, we review how Se might be beneficial via restoration of host antioxidant capacity, reduction of apoptosis and endothelial cell damages as well as platelet aggregation. It also appears that low Se status is a common finding in conditions considered at risk of severe COVID-19, especially in the elderly. Finally, we present a rationale for Se use at different stages of COVID-19. Se has been overlooked but may have a significant place in COVID-19 spectrum management, particularly in vulnerable elderly, and might represent a game changer in the global response to COVID-19.

scholarly journals Importance of functional nutrition components on new Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other viral communicable diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 286-299
Author(s):  
Serhan Mohammed ◽  
Nigün Özdemir ◽  
Ahmet Hilmi Çon
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
Bioactive Components ◽  
Human Immune System ◽  
Human Immune

There are no foods to prevent or treat the coronavirus alone; however, it has been proven that a healthy and balanced nutrition is crucial for health, particularly in times when the immune system might need to fight back. The present study provides insights about the properties of bioactive components of foods and herbs as a possible adjuvant support the human immune system against infections. Also, has focused on the interactions of the intestinal microbiota with human health in the treatment of Covid-19 and other viral infections. More research with strong recommendations is needed to better understand causality.

scholarly journals Modeling Human Cytomegalovirus in Humanized Mice for Vaccine Testing

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Koenig ◽  
Sebastian J. Theobald ◽  
Renata Stripecke
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Human Cytomegalovirus ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Viral Reactivation ◽  
Mouse Strains ◽  
Immune Reactivity ◽  
Human Immune System ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Human Immune

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV or HHV-5) is a globally spread pathogen with strictly human tropism that establishes a life-long persistence. After primary infection, high levels of long-term T and B cell responses are elicited, but the virus is not cleared. HCMV persists mainly in hematopoietic reservoirs, whereby occasional viral reactivation and spread are well controlled in immunocompetent hosts. However, when the immune system cannot control viral infections or reactivations, such as with newborns, patients with immune deficiencies, or immune-compromised patients after transplantations, the lytic outbursts can be severely debilitating or lethal. The development of vaccines for immunization of immune-compromised hosts has been challenging. Several vaccine candidates did not reach the potency expected in clinical trials and were not approved. Before anti-HCMV vaccines can be tested pre-clinically in immune-compromised hosts, reliable in vivo models recapitulating HCMV infection might accelerate their clinical translation. Therefore, immune-deficient mouse strains implanted with human cells and tissues and developing a human immune system (HIS) are being explored to test anti-HCMV vaccines. HIS-mice resemble immune-compromised hosts as they are equipped with antiviral human T and B cells, but the immune reactivity is overall low. Several groups have independently shown that HCMV infections and reactivations can be mirrored in HIS mice. However, these models and the analyses employed varied widely. The path forward is to improve human immune reconstitution and standardize the analyses of adaptive responses so that HIS models can be forthrightly used for testing novel generations of anti-HCMV vaccines in the preclinical pipeline.

scholarly journals Can trace element supplementations (Cu, Se, and Zn) enhance human immunity against COVID-19 and its new variants?

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bouzid Nedjimi
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Trace Element ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Human Immune System ◽  
The World ◽  
Human Immunity ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Probable Relation

Abstract Background Coronavirus-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is constantly changed through mutation, and new stains of this virus are detected throughout the world such as B.1.1.7 (UK), B.1.351 (South Africa), and P.1 (Brazil). These strains seem to be more easily transmissible than other variants, which may lead to more cases and more deaths. Currently, there are many vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 available in the market but without full clinical data beside. Despite the existence of these vaccines, the numbers of outpatients are still increasing in many countries around the world, and the reliability of these vaccines still remains elusive. It is well known that trace element deficiencies increase the individual susceptibility to immune dysfunction and lead to global health problem. In this context, improving the immune defense system to combats this pandemic is absolutely necessary. The purpose of this review is to establish the probable relation between trace elements supplementation and COVID-19. Main body Several clinical studies confirmed that Cu, Se, and Zn insufficiencies alter the immune system and increase the vulnerability to viral infections. Based on antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects of these micronutrients, it seems logical that dietary supplementations of these components might enhance human immune system and lower the graveness of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion Based on available data, we hypothesize that the clinical use of some essential trace element supplementations such as copper, selenium, and zinc might be a preventive and promising option to enhance human immunity against the new pandemic COVID-19 and its new strains. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals The role of nutrition in COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 304
Author(s):  
Lestari Octavia ◽  
Johan Harlan
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Health Status ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Continuous Delivery ◽  
The Government ◽  
Upper Level

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document