ABSTRACT
The recent pandemic stress and the impacts of climatic changes on humans' and animals' health status and well-being resulted in severe drawbacks. Initially, stress-induced oxidation resulting from the generation of free radicals led to the impairment of cellular function and a high possibility of attack with infection. Astaxanthin is a bioactive material derived from fish, crustaceans, and algae with high antioxidative potential. Astaxanthin is a lipid-soluble carotenoid that can easily cross through the cellular membrane layers to catch the reactive oxygen metabolites. Astaxanthin also has pigmentation properties making it suitable for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, agriculture, and aquaculture sectors. Recently, astaxanthin is suggested as a natural scavenger for free radicals induced by COVID-19. Besides, using astaxanthin as antioxidative and immunostimulant agents is well-reported in several clinical studies. The output of these investigations should be simplified and presented to the scientific community to utilize the available information and fill the gap of knowledge. Also, it is necessary to update the researchers with the recent recommendations of applying astaxanthin in vivo and in vitro to help in proposing new horizons for engaging natural antioxidative agents to protect human and animal health. Herein, this review article tackled the nature, sources, potential roles, applicable sides, and availability of astaxanthin to fortify the scientific community with the required knowledge for further research efforts. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Annals of Animal Science is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to evaluate knowledge and attitude regarding immuno-nutrition in Indians residing in different parts of the world and to evaluate practices adopted during lockdown to boost immunity. A rapid assessment survey was conducted using Goog le Forms which was circulated amongst Indian community residing in different countries using various social media platforms. Data was collected from 325 Indians from 11 different countries. Participants were regrouped into 4 groups: South Asia, Europe, East Africa and Western Asia based on geographical location. About 85% participants identified most factors that either boost or suppress immunity. More than 90% participants reported vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12, proteins and iron as the nutrients that boost immunity. Higher percentage of Indians from South and Western Asia reported that holy basil, asafoetida, cardamom, nuts and Chawanprash helped boost immunity as compared to Indians from Europe and East Africa (p<0.05). The overall minimum knowledge score obtained by participants was 45% and maximum was 100%. Highest marks were obtained by Indians from Western Asia followed by Indians from South Asia then Europe and lastly East Africa. However, there was no significant difference marks obtained by participants of 4 regions (p>0.05). Almost 1/3rd participants had misconception that immunity can be boosted in short amount of time. There was a significant difference in practices adopted by participants across different regions (p<0.001). Indians from Western Asia and South Asia adopted supplement and food based approaches to boost immunity as compared to Indians from other 2 regions. Though the overall knowledge regarding immuno-nutrition was similar in Indians from all 4 regions, the attitude and strategies adopted to boost immunity varied from region to region. There is a need to conduct educational programs to help improve the attitude and strategies adopted to boost immunity in Indians staying across the globe.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 stalled the world in 2020 and continues to be the greatest health crisis of this generation. While the apparent case fatality rates across fluctuates around ~2% globally, associated mortality/death rate (deaths per million population) varies distinctly across regions from the global average of ~600 per million population. Heterogeneous factors have been linked with COVID-19 associated mortalities and these include age, share of geriatric population, comorbidities, trained immunity and climatic conditions. Apart from direct or indirect role of endemic diseases, dietary factors and host immunity in regulating COVID-19 severity, human behaviour will inevitably control outcome of this pandemic. Comprehensive understanding of these factors will have a bearing on management of future health crises.