ABSTRACT
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, studies across diverse countries have strongly pointed toward the emergence of a mental health crisis, with a dramatic increase in the prevalence of depressive psychopathology and suicidal tendencies. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of mental health problems as well as individual responses to stress. Studies have discussed the relationship between low serum vitamin D concentrations and depressive symptoms, suggesting that maintaining adequate concentrations of serum vitamin D seems to have a protective effect against it. Vitamin D was found to contribute to improved serotonergic neurotransmission in the experimental model of depression by regulating serotonin metabolism. The signaling of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D, through vitamin D receptor (VDR) induces the expression of the gene of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), influences the expression of serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) as well as the levels of monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), the enzyme responsible for serotonin catabolism. Vitamin D also presents a relevant link with chronobiological interplay, which could influence the development of depressive symptoms when unbalance between light-dark cycles occurs. In this Perspective, we discussed the significant role of vitamin D in the elevation of stress-related depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is suggested that vitamin D monitoring and, when deficiency is detected, supplementation could be considered as an important healthcare measure while lockdown and social isolation procedures last during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT It has been documented that the older adults of the population are at the greatest risk of mortality due to the coronavirus disease;consequently, they could be the population most affected by the measures of social isolation and reduction of virus contagion implemented worldwide. Social isolation can expose older adults to an increased nutritional risk due to factors such as socioeconomic insecurity, which could affect food acquisition and the need for support in daily tasks and meals. The institutionalized older adults often depend on food donations, which may have reduced due the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, and the aging process itself causes changes in nutritional necessitie and eating habits. In the coronavirus pandemic, nutritionists and dietitians can offer remote nutritional follow-up. Moreover, the government actions, such as the implementation of educational and social service programs, should be applied to support healthy aging and minimize exposure to nutritional risks and coronavirus disease. RESUMO Tem sido documentado que os idosos são a população de maior risco para mortalidade por COVID-19. Consequentemente, pode ser a mais afetada pelas medidas de isolamento social e de redução de contágio pelo vírus implementadas em todo o mundo. O isolamento social pode expor os idosos ao risco nutricional aumentado devido a alguns fatores, como: a insegurança socioeconômica, a qual pode afetar a aquisição de alimentos;a necessidade de apoio nas tarefas e nas refeições diárias;a possível redução de doações de alimentos para idosos institucionalizados, em virtude da crise econômica ocasionada pela pandemia;e o próprio processo do envelhecimento, que causa alterações das necessidades nutricionais e do hábito de se alimentar. Contudo, no contexto da pandemia do novo coronavírus, nutricionistas podem oferecer acompanhamento nutricional remoto. Além disso, ações governamentais, como a implementação de programas educacionais e de serviço social, devem ser aplicadas para o envelhecimento saudável e para a minimização da exposição ao risco nutricional e à COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT It has been documented that the older adults of the population are at the greatest risk of mortality due to the coronavirus disease; consequently, they could be the population most affected by the measures of social isolation and reduction of virus contagion implemented worldwide. Social isolation can expose older adults to an increased nutritional risk due to factors such as socioeconomic insecurity, which could affect food acquisition and the need for support in daily tasks and meals. The institutionalized older adults often depend on food donations, which may have reduced due the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, and the aging process itself causes changes in nutritional necessitie and eating habits. In the coronavirus pandemic, nutritionists and dietitians can offer remote nutritional follow-up. Moreover, the government actions, such as the implementation of educational and social service programs, should be applied to support healthy aging and minimize exposure to nutritional risks and coronavirus disease.
RESUMO Tem sido documentado que os idosos são a população de maior risco para mortalidade por COVID-19. Consequentemente, pode ser a mais afetada pelas medidas de isolamento social e de redução de contágio pelo vírus implementadas em todo o mundo. O isolamento social pode expor os idosos ao risco nutricional aumentado devido a alguns fatores, como: a insegurança socioeconômica, a qual pode afetar a aquisição de alimentos; a necessidade de apoio nas tarefas e nas refeições diárias; a possível redução de doações de alimentos para idosos institucionalizados, em virtude da crise econômica ocasionada pela pandemia; e o próprio processo do envelhecimento, que causa alterações das necessidades nutricionais e do hábito de se alimentar. Contudo, no contexto da pandemia do novo coronavírus, nutricionistas podem oferecer acompanhamento nutricional remoto. Além disso, ações governamentais, como a implementação de programas educacionais e de serviço social, devem ser aplicadas para o envelhecimento saudável e para a minimização da exposição ao risco nutricional e à COVID-19.