Association between COVID-19 vaccine side effects and history of nutritional supplement intake and body mass index (BMI): a retrospective study

PurposeAs the development and vaccination of the COVID 19 vaccine is accelerating worldwide, it is important to investigate the ways to improve immunity and immune responses to vaccines. This study aims to investigate the association between history of nutritional supplements intake and body mass index (BMI) in the severity of COVID-19 vaccine side effects after vaccination.Design/methodology/approachA total of 465 vaccinated participants with the Sinopharm vaccine (females and males in the 18–65 age range) participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken on the first visit. In addition, nutrient supplement history and demographic information were collected. Moreover, the participants' phone numbers were collected and they were contacted. Participants were asked to report if they experienced systemic (whole-body) and/or local side effects after vaccination, in the following eight days. Then, participants were grouped into four categories: no symptoms (n = 232), mild symptoms (n = 121), moderate symptoms (n = 55) and severe symptoms (n = 57).FindingsThere was a significant difference between the consumption of nutritional supplements by different groups of participants in the last six months (considering the severity of the symptoms) (p < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the incidence of side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine increased in the Q3 of BMI (range 22.94–26.34) in Modes 2 and 3: [OR: 1.85, (95% CI: 1.14– 3.00), p-for trend = 0.08] and [OR: 1.89, (95% CI: 1.16– 3.09), p-for trend = 0.09] based on logistic regression models.Originality/valueIn this study, the history of nutrient supplement intake affects the severity of side effects after the vaccination with COVID-19. Furthermore, based on logistic regression models, side effects were more prevalent in the BMI range 22.9–26.3 when compared to BMI < 20.2 so further study is necessary.

Nutritional interventions in older people with COVID-19: an overview of the evidence.

Older people are a high-risk group for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) because of a range of factors, including age-related changes in anatomical pulmonary and muscle function, decreased immunity and increased inflammation. These factors partly explain why older people with COVID-19 experience more severe symptoms and higher mortality than younger adults and are more likely to require nutritional support. Furthermore, there is an association between suboptimal nutritional status and poorer recovery from COVID-19. Therefore, nutritional interventions are an important aspect of care for older people with COVID-19. All members of the multidisciplinary team, including dietitians and nurses, need to assess, treat and prevent nutritional deficiencies in older people with COVID-19. This literature review provides an overview of the evidence regarding the role of nutritional interventions in the treatment of, and recovery from, COVID-19 in older people.

The use of the nutritional supplements during the covid-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 causes moderate to severe illness and is spreading globally. During a pandemic, vitamins and minerals are vital to health. Therefore, the prevalence and epidemiology of supplement use in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic must be known. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia using an online survey. The study was conducted from June to March 2022 on both adults and children. The link to the survey was shared on social media platforms. The survey included questions on participants' demographics, vaccination status, supplements they used, and side effects of supplements. Participation in this study was optional, and there was no obligation to participate. There was a declaration about the aim of the study and different objectives before starting the survey. RESULTS: The present study reported that most of the participants reported that they used vitamin C (64.6 %), zinc (51.9 %), multivitamins (46.1 %), black seeds (26.7 %), garlic (Allium sativum) (15.4 %), omega-3 (22.1 %), vitamin D (22.2 %), echinacea (10.1 %), manuka honey (26.0 %), curcumin (13.6 %), ginger (22.5 %), royal jelly (12.9 %), and propolis (7.5 %) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic period. These supplements were used more frequently by subjects during the pandemic than before. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The respondents' risk of these supplements' use may partially reflect the public's behavioral response during a pandemic. Future studies can document the health beliefs and motivations of nutritional supplement users.

Protective effect of nutrition and supplements on COVID-19 management

In March 2020, an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 termed COVID-19, was declared by WHO, as a world pandemic having affected 54.1 crores individuals across 230 countries to date (23rd June 2022). The infection is caused due to a fast-mutating virus that can best be controlled through one's immune system and strengthening the same is a challenge currently. Enriching immunity has persistently been a matter of study and conclusive results depict that nutritional status has a tremendous impact on strengthening immunity. Both macro-and micronutrients play a significant role in developing a strong immune response. Most of the mediators of immune response like cytokines, interferons, and antibodies along with surface markers such as MHC, toll-like receptors, membrane transporters, etc., are all proteinaceous, and hence an adequate protein intake is vital for ideal immune response. The fermentation of dietary fiber by the microflora in the gut leads to the generation of short-chain fatty acids known to be anti-inflammatory. Poor status of nutrients such as vitamin A and zinc have been reported to be related to not only the increased rate of infection risk but also higher levels of oxidative stress as well as inflammation. Both these factors down regulate the immunity and thereby lower the recovery rate. These nutrients mediate the immune signalling pathways including the transcription of factors as NFkB and Nrf-2 and reduce the generation of cytokines as IL-6 which are associated with reducing inflammation. Nutrients like vitamin D besides working on immunity also play a substantial contribution in preventing infection as they modulate the surface receptors, thereby hindering the entry of viruses into the host cells. This article is aimed at emphasising the vital significance of nutritional status in enhancing the immune system and preventing infection during the current pandemic.

Perception and prevalence of dietary supplements among gym users in nasiriyah city: A cross-sectional pilot study in thi-qar provence, southern iraq

Background: Dietary supplements (DSs) are widely used in gymnastics around the world to improve health, save energy and increase strength. However, consumers should be familiar with the required knowledge regarding the benefits and risks of these supplements. Objective: To assess the perception and prevalence of dietary supplements among Gymnastics users in the city of Nasiriyah. Material and methods: The study was a pilot descriptive cross-sectional survey of 150 Gymnastics both males (n = 75) and females (n = 75). The data were statistically analyzed and a “p value ≤ 0.05” was taken as statistically significant. Results: Participants Socio-demographic characteristics varied widely and were shown to be related to DSs information sources, purpose of use and beliefs. The coaches were the main source of information for males and the internet for females. Males generally use DSs for Bodybuilding, while females mostly use DSs for weight loss. Gymnastics consumed between 1-2 types of DSs with less consumption of three or more. Electrolyte drink, amino acids, vitamin D, calcium, Red Bull or similar, Omega-3, and slimming products were among the most common DSs. Weight gain, ephedra, and anabolic hormones were less often used. Conclusion: The majority of dietary supplement information was received from unreliable sources. The purpose of using DSs differed greatly between males and females and was related to social and demographic factors. The impact of Covid-19 has limited the size of our participants and more research is needed on wider sample of gymnastics after the pandemic to get a better understanding of the use of DSs and their potential impact on health. © 2021 by authors, all rights reserved.

Association between COVID-19 vaccine side effects and history of nutritional supplement intake and body mass index (BMI): a retrospective study

Purpose As the development and vaccination of the COVID 19 vaccine is accelerating worldwide, it is important to investigate the ways to improve immunity and immune responses to vaccines. This study aims to investigate the association between history of nutritional supplements intake and body mass index (BMI) in the severity of COVID-19 vaccine side effects after vaccination. Design/methodology/approach A total of 465 vaccinated participants with the Sinopharm vaccine (females and males in the 18-65 age range) participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken on the first visit. In addition, nutrient supplement history and demographic information were collected. Moreover, the participants' phone numbers were collected and they were contacted. Participants were asked to report if they experienced systemic (whole-body) and/or local side effects after vaccination, in the following eight days. Then, participants were grouped into four categories: no symptoms (n = 232), mild symptoms (n = 121), moderate symptoms (n = 55) and severe symptoms (n = 57). Findings There was a significant difference between the consumption of nutritional supplements by different groups of participants in the last six months (considering the severity of the symptoms) (p < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the incidence of side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine increased in the Q3 of BMI (range 22.94-26.34) in Modes 2 and 3: [OR: 1.85, (95% CI: 1.14- 3.00), p-for trend = 0.08] and [OR: 1.89, (95% CI: 1.16- 3.09), p-for trend = 0.09] based on logistic regression models. Originality/value In this study, the history of nutrient supplement intake affects the severity of side effects after the vaccination with COVID-19. Furthermore, based on logistic regression models, side effects were more prevalent in the BMI range 22.9-26.3 when compared to BMI < 20.2 so further study is necessary.

SLOVAK ADULT POPULATION DURING THE SARS-CoV-2 VIRUS PANDEMIC

To mark World Obesity Day on 4th March 2021 an online survey was conducted between 4th and 8th March 2021 as part of the project “Be fit during the pandemic!”. The aim was to analyze changes in eating habits, physical activity and health indicators in adults during the Covid-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 from March 2020 until March 2021. The survey involved 1,035 respondents from Slovakia (50.5% women and 49.5% men) with a mean age of 44.93 ± 61.19 years (aged 20 to 73 years). Of those asked 70.9% lived in an urban area while 29.1% in the countryside. We assessed the lifestyle changes of the respondents using an anonymous questionnaire during the pandemic, based on whether they had Covid-19 and separated them by gender. We evaluated changes in health parameters (changes in glycaemia, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triacylglycerol’s, blood pressure, body mass index-BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio-WHR indices). We used the statistical software Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft Inc., USA) for statistical evaluation with differences considered significant at p < 0.05. 15 % of the adults asked recovered from Covid-19. In the respondents’ diet, we confirmed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in the consumption of meat and meat products, which were mainly consumed by men (37.97%, 9.49% more than women). During the pandemic, more women (p < 0.01) (44.30%) used vitamin D nutritional supplements than men (by 17.08%). When evaluating physical activity, more men (p < 0.01) used the stairs (33.76%, 10.76% more than women). In summary, to a greater or lesser extent, physical activity was predominantly performed by men (82.67% of men, 23.63% more than women, p < 0.05). Based on the online survey analyses, it is vital to raise people’s awareness about positive lifestyle changes and their beneficial impact on health during a pandemic. © 2022, Consulting and Training Center - KEY. All rights reserved.

Changes in Food Supply and Consumption Practices of People in Turkey During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had social and economic impacts on every country in the world and has caused significant changes in human nutrition. In this study, changes in the food supply chain and consumption practices before and after the controlled normalization of people living in Turkey were examined, with a survey of 1087 people. The results revealed that people focused on a healthier diet during the pandemic. The increase in dietary supplement consumption has not been too high, only 11% of people started to take dietary supplements, but fast food consumption had a sharp fall. The packaging has become more critical. People continued to use take-out services from supermarkets and fast-food restaurants. Although normalization has begun, most of them (90%) reduced or did not think about eating out until COVID-19 will over. This study revealed the effects of the pandemic on human nutrition and showed which direction the food supply should go. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Sakarya University Journal of Science is the property of Sakarya University 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.)

Usage of nutritional supplements to improve immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online survey.

Background and aims: Proper nutrition to optimise immune function is mandatory as at present there is no specific medicine to cure COVID-19. Our study aimed to investigate the use of nutritional supplements and their key immunity enhancing components among Sri Lankans. Methods: This current study was an online survey conducted during the period from 27th May to 2nd June 2021 disseminated via various social media platforms. Details were collected on highlighting the frequency and composition of nutritional supplements consumed. Results: In a total of 3707 responders, a proportion of 25.5% (944) of the participants took supplements regularly, and 32.6% (1210), 14.5% (538), 27.4% (1015) intake were occasionally, rarely and never respectively. Older participants (>40 years of age) had a significantly higher intake of supplements than the younger counterpart of 31-35 years age group (OR: 0.604; 95% CI, 0.451-0.809; p < 0.001). Almost half (46.0%) took vitamin C supplements and females tend to take more (OR: 1.325; 95% CI, 1.120-1.567; p < 0.001) of vitamin C when compared to males. Comparatively to the other groups regarding monthly income, the participants with the highest income category are more likely to take vitamin D (OR:1.899; 95% CI, 1.034-3.490; p = 0.039) and multivitamin (OR: 3.222; 95% CI, 1.737-5.977; p < 0.001). The most commonly used main ingredient in home-made remedy was coriander in Sri Lanka. Conclusion: The use of nutritional supplements and natural products to improve immunity during the pandemic were frequent among Sri Lankan adults. In general, older, female gender and high income was significantly associated with increased intake of the nutrient supplements.

The consumption of nutritional supplements and herbal products for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection among the Saudi population in Riyadh.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the Saudi population's beliefs regarding the consumption of nutritional supplements and herbal products for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in Riyadh. METHODS: A cross-sectional study that included 1460 participants aged between 12 and 86 years was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between October 01, 2020, and October 30, 2020, via an online survey using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was uploaded as a Google Doc file on Google Drive, and a link to the survey was distributed to respondents via social media platforms (Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram). The survey instrument included 30 questions, including sociodemographic characteristics and the use of nutritional supplements and herbal products. RESULTS: The findings of our study revealed a significant increase in intake and the frequency of consumption of nutritional supplements and herbal products during the COVID-19 pandemic period than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media and the Internet (29.7%) and relatives or friends (14.7%) were the main motivators for the participants to try herbal products. The majority of the participants reported using zinc (72.9%), vitamin C (56.0%), garlic (Allium sativum) (53.8%), and cinnamon (52.0%) during the COVID-19 pandemic period. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the findings of our study demonstrated that the intake of nutritional supplements and herbal products increased among the general population in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic period to protect them from the disease. In addition, the intake of nutritional supplements and herbal products should be evidence-based to ensure patient safety.

Managing malnutrition in older adults in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in the number of older adults in the community who are at risk of malnutrition. Vulnerable groups include people recovering at home from mild-to-moderate COVID-19, those discharged from hospital after severe infection and those who have undergone extended periods of social isolation as a result of the public health measures in place to reduce the spread of infection. Various COVID-19-specific malnutrition care pathways and resources are available, and this article details practical interventions that can assist nurses caring for older adults in the community to identify and manage malnutrition risk.

Managing malnutrition in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prevalence of risk factors for malnutrition has increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These risk factors include various symptoms and effects of COVID-19, such as breathlessness, coughing, inflammation, sarcopenia, anorexia and loss of taste or smell, as well as the side effects of treatment. In addition, public health infection prevention and control measures can inadvertently reduce access to food and increase social isolation, thus adversely affecting people's nutritional status. This article outlines practical interventions for preventing and managing malnutrition in the community, particularly where it is exacerbated by the social restrictions in place to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kidney diseases and COVID-19 infection: causes and effect, supportive therapeutics and nutritional perspectives.

Recently, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has attracted the attention of scientists where it has a high mortality rate among older adults and individuals suffering from chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney diseases (CKD). It is important to elucidate molecular mechanisms by which COVID-19 affects the kidneys and accordingly develop proper nutritional and pharmacological strategies. Although numerous studies have recently recommended several approaches for the management of COVID-19 in CKD, its impact on patients with renal diseases remains the biggest challenge worldwide. In this paper, we review the most recent evidence regarding causality, potential nutritional supplements, therapeutic options, and management of COVID-19 infection in vulnerable individuals and patients with CKD. To date, there is no effective treatment for COVID-19-induced kidney dysfunction, and current treatments are yet limited to anti-inflammatory (e.g. ibuprofen) and anti-viral medications (e.g. Remdesivir, and Chloroquine/Hydroxychloroquine) that may increase the chance of treatment. In conclusion, the knowledge about kidney damage in COVID-19 is very limited, and this review improves our ability to introduce novel approaches for future clinical trials for this contiguous disease.

Medical Nutrition Therapy in Hospitalized Patients With SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection in a Non-critical Care Setting: Knowledge in Progress.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As of 13 September 2020, almost 28 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 including more than 920,000 deaths have been reported to the World Health Organization. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represents a potential threat to patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Patients with the worst outcomes and higher mortality are reported to include older adults, polymorbid individuals, and malnourished people in general. The purpose of this review is to provide concise guidance for the nutritional management of individuals with COVID-19 based on the current literature and focused on those in the non-ICU setting or with an older age and polymorbidity, which are independently associated with malnutrition and its negative impact on mortality. RECENT FINDINGS: Prolonged hospital stays are reported to be required for individuals with COVID-19, and longer acute setting stays may directly worsen or cause malnutrition, with severe loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, which may lead to poor quality of life and additional morbidity. Nutritional therapy is among the mainstay of therapeutic principles and one of the core contents of comprehensive treatment measures. The current COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malnutrition should therefore be routinely included in the management of individuals with COVID-19.

Early nutritional supplementation in non-critically ill patients hospitalized for the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Rationale and feasibility of a shared pragmatic protocol.

OBJECTIVES: Beginning in December 2019, the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a pneumonia epidemic that began in Wuhan, China, and is rapidly spreading throughout the whole world. Italy is the hardest hit country after China. Considering the deleterious consequences of malnutrition, which certainly can affect patients with COVID-19, the aim of this article is to present a pragmatic protocol for early nutritional supplementation of non-critically ill patients hospitalized for COVID-19 disease. It is based on the observation that most patients present at admission with severe inflammation and anorexia leading to a drastic reduction of food intake, and that a substantial percentage develops respiratory failure requiring non-invasive ventilation or even continuous positive airway pressure. METHODS: High-calorie dense diets in a variety of different consistencies with highly digestible foods and snacks are available for all patients. Oral supplementation of whey proteins as well as intravenous infusion of multivitamin, multimineral trace elements solutions are implemented at admission. In the presence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficit, cholecalciferol is promptly supplied. If nutritional risk is detected, two to three bottles of protein-calorie oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are provided. If <2 bottles/d of ONS are consumed for 2 consecutive days and/or respiratory conditions are worsening, supplemental/total parenteral nutrition is prescribed. CONCLUSION: We are aware that our straight approach may be debatable. However, to cope with the current emergency crisis, its aim is to promptly and pragmatically implement nutritional care in patients with COVID-19, which might be overlooked despite being potentially beneficial to clinical outcomes and effective in preventing the consequences of malnutrition in this patient population.