ABSTRACT
Purpose: The novel coronavirus disease namely COVID-19 is a viral disease induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The cases were first reported in Wuhan, China, by the end of 2019 and subsequently spread worldwide. The virus can be transferred through direct or indirect contact and leads to several manifestations;the most common are fever, dry cough, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). COVID-19 has caused massive human and economic losses, posing an ongoing threat. Understanding the current situation and developing a treatment which can be both safe and effective has become essential. In this regard, natural products could be an important resource in the development of treatment for COVID-19, as they have contributed to the treatment of other viruses in the past. This review aims to understand the cellular machinery of SARS-CoV-2 and to identify its drug targets.
ABSTRACT
Background: More than 1 year has passed since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nutrition and its role in boosting the immune system have been a hot topic during the previous year in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. An effective medicine for COVID-19 has not been introduced and public vaccination has not gained an acceptable speed in the world;therefore, preventive measures, protocols adherence, and a robust immune system are crucial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of food in boosting the immune system during the Covid-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19, a worldwide epidemic, is afflicting the whole planet. Vaccines have been developed;however, they will not be able to eliminate the COVID-19 virus. As a result, the only approach to address the problem is to the disease is to have a robust immune system. A well-balanced diet can help enhance immunity, which is necessary for preventing and treating viral illnesses. Vitamins A, C, and D and minerals like Selenium and Zinc found in fruits, herbs, and vegetables have been demonstrated to have beneficial immunity-enhancing effects in viral respiratory infections. In this publication, we have attempted to describe the advantages of medicinal herbs, vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, and probiotics in combating the new Coronavirus. The dietary concept based on existing evidence might help inhibit and regulate COVID-19.
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Vitamin A is fat-soluble compounds of retinoid derivate, consisting of retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters. Vitamin A also affects cell growth and differentiation, playing a critical role in the normal formation and function of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. According to the role of vitamin A in enhancing immune function, it is known as an anti-inflammatory agent. Also, vitamin A supplementation by reducing morbidity and mortality in different infectious diseases, such as measles, diarrheal disease, measles-related pneumonia, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and malaria considered as a crucial factor against infection. So vitamin A deficiency can be life-threatening, because of impairing the response to infection and significant risk of development of severe respiratory infections in infants and young children. In this paper, we have discussed the effects of vitamin A in modulating immune responses in viral infections and the direct effects of this vitamin on viral replication by comparing its role during different types of viral infections.
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This special issue contains 23 articles that discusses the topic of diseases, nutrition, and malnutrition, especially in Mexico. Topics include the nutritional status of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and anaemia in Mexican children, vitamin D status in Mexican women at reproductive age, prevalence of iron deficiency and anaemia during 2006-2018 in Mexican women 20-49 years of age, the increasing incidence of SARS-CoV- 2 in older adolescents and younger adults during the epidemic in Mexico, stakeholder analysis of the deliberation of an increase to the excise tax on sweetened beverages in Mexico, among others.