Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, and Metabolic Syndrome: Review in the Era of COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is now at pandemic levels leading to considerable morbidity and mortality throughout the globe. Patients with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are mainly susceptible and more probably to get severe side effects when affected by this virus. The pathophysiologic mechanisms for these notions have not been completely known. The pro-inflammatory milieu observed in patients with metabolic disruption could lead to COVID-19-mediated host immune dysregulation, such as immune dysfunction, severe inflammation, microvascular dysfunction, and thrombosis. The present review expresses the current knowledge regarding the influence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and MetS on COVID-19 infection and severity, and their pathophysiological mechanisms.

How Do We Manage Breastfeeding During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing global disturbances and creating many questions in every aspect of life. Since it influences health in multiple ways, including sexual and reproductive health, publishing in all of these areas has increased lately. One aspect that requires basing on scientific evidence is breastfeeding. There are some controversies in the literature on the breastfeeding management in confirmed COVID-19 mothers. Breast milk is excellent for the infant's nutritional needs and growth, because it includes all of the nutrients an infant requires. It promotes the immature immune system of the infant and reinforces defense mechanisms against infectious and other agents during the breastfeeding period. While limited clinical research is available, we can build on what we know about breastfeeding and previous similar outbreaks to plan and manage this crisis. The aim of this chapter is to provide pediatricians with further guidance on breastfeeding and associated safety measures during the COVID-19 crisis, particularly in instances where a mother has or may have COVID-19. This will also be a benefit to future epidemics and pandemics.

Obesity and Risk of COVID-19 Infection and Severity: Available Evidence and Mechanisms.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in worldwide research efforts to recognize people at greatest risk of developing critical illness and dying. Growing numbers of reports have connected obesity to more severe COVID-19 illness and death. Although the exact mechanism by which obesity may lead to severe COVID-19 outcomes has not yet been determined, the mechanisms appear to be multifactorial. These include mechanical changes of the airways and lung parenchyma, systemic and airway inflammation, and general metabolic dysfunction that adversely affect pulmonary function and/or response to treatment. As COVID-19 continues to spread worldwide, clinicians should carefully monitor and manage obese patients for prompt and targeted treatment.

Experience in Nutrition Management of Diabetes-Affected COVID-19 Patients.

When diabetic patients are ill, their bodies react by releasing hormones to combat the illness. These hormones can be triggered by some states, such as infections. Some illnesses that most likely have an influence on blood glucose levels include common cold or flu, COVID-19, bronchitis, or chest infections. So, it is important for diabetic patients affected by COVID-19 to eat a healthy balanced diet to maintain stable blood glucose levels and enhance their immune functions. The immune response has often been demonstrated to be attenuated by insufficient nutrition in many model systems as well as in human studies. We summarize and propose potential nutritional therapeutic options available for the treatment of this novel coronavirus in diabetic patients.

Are history of dietary intake and food habits of patients with clinical symptoms of COVID 19 different from healthy controls? A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that put unprecedented significant strain on clinical services and healthcare systems. The aim of the present research was to assess dietary food groups and also food habits of patients with clinical symptoms of COVID 19 and healthy controls. METHODS: This case-control research was carried out on 505 participants (279 subjects with clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and 226 controls), in age 18-65 years. Dietary food group's intake last year was investigated by a food frequency questionnaire. Food habits were asked by a general information questionnaire. The strength of the association between food group's intakes with the odds ratios (ORs) of COVID-19 was assessed using Logistic regression models. RESULTS: After adjusting for physical activity in the logistic regression models, intake of dough and yogurt had a significantly protective role on occurrence of COVID19 (OR = 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.44-0.87; P = 0.006) (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.56-0.98; P = 0.044), respectively. No significant differences were seen in food habits between the two groups in the last year ago. CONCLUSIONS: High risk population for COVID19, advised to consume enough amount of yogurt and dough at the time of this pandemic.