[Deficient micronutrient status of the population of various countries as a risk factor in COVID-19].

The article provides an overview of scientific information on the modern features of the micronutrient status of the population of different countries of the world. It is emphasized that in conditions of epidemiological risk, it is necessary to take into account the provision of micronutrients for various social groups of the population: children, elderly people with a low socio-economic status, as well as those with chronic diseases. As a result of the analysis, it is determined that the deficient micronutrient status contributes not only to a high risk of the body's susceptibility to infectious agents, but also negatively affects the course and outcome of an infectious disease. The authors' studies confirm that in infectious diseases and in the early stages of COVID-19, a protective immune response is responsible for the elimination of the virus, therefore, the use of trace elements and vitamins in the treatment of COVID-19 is an immunoprotection strategy, the effectiveness and safety of which there is sufficient clinical data.

[The role of supplying population with vitamin D in conditions of COVID-19 pandemic: foreign publications review].

The overview of scientific information concerning actual characteristics of population's supply with vitamin D and its role in case of risk of development of infectious diseases and COVID-19 is presented. The analysis established that vitamin D deficiency contributes both to higher risk of susceptibility to infectious agent and to negative impact to course and outcome of disease. The significant role of vitamin D in prevention and treatment of viral diseases is established. The international research studies confirm that at infectious diseases and early stages of COVID-19 protective immune response is responsible for elimination of the virus. Therefore, using vitamin D in treatment of COVID-19 is the strategy of immune protection. The authors consider that in case of infectious risks, preventive application of vitamin D is necessary. In case of initial manifestations of COVID-19, it is appropriate to promptly achieve levels of optimal status of micro-nutrient supply.