Role of Vitamin C in the treatment of COVID-19: A comprehensive review study

Introduction: COVID-19 is now deemed as the global health burden. As of 24 july 2022, over 567million confirmed cases and over 6.3 million deaths have been reported. Symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, body ache and shortness of breath, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a major role as antioxidant and as co-factor of various biosynthetic pathways in the immune system. Objective(s): In this study we aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the use of vitamin C in the prevention or treatment of patients with SARS-CoV2 infection, based on available publications between January 2020 and July 2022. Material(s) and Method(s): In this comprehensive literature review two electronic databases (PubMed and EMBASE) were searched from 1 January 2020 to 1 July 2022. Result(s): Numerous researchers and clinicians hypothesised that ascorbic acid could help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection by boosting immune response and reducing the severity of the viral-mediated inflammatory response. Preliminary observational studies indicate low vitamin C status in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Conclusion(s): While some studies have found no correlation between vitamin intake and mortality, others have discovered that this vitamin c is beneficial in lowering the death rate. In summary, vitamin C possesses positive impacts on curing of infection and this may play a protective role in the current COVID-19 pandemic through boosting the immune system.

Bioavailability of iron and its potential to improve the immune system and ward off COVID-19: a review

Iron is a mineral that plays an important role, especially to prevent anaemia through the production of red blood cells. Iron also plays a role in physiological processes, such as the activation of enzymes and hormones, as well as increasing the immune system in warding off various viral infections. Therefore, iron bioavailability needs to be considered to take the greatest benefit of iron. This review discussed the factors that can affect the bioavailability of iron, various technologies to increase the bioavailability, and its potential in enhancing the immune system. Iron bioavailability can be increased by fortification, fermentation, the addition of vitamin C, and iron encapsulation. Under conditions of adequate iron intake, iron plays an important role in enhancing the immune system through controlling lymphocytes and T cell proliferation. However, excess iron consumption can be at risk of weakening the host's immune response to viruses. Therefore, the appropriate level of iron intake must be maintained accurately to be used optimally and has the potential to ward off viral infections, including the Sars-CoV-2 virus as the cause of COVID-19.Copyright © 2023, Rynnye Lyan Resources. All rights reserved.

Food supplements in nurses’ diet during COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The study aims at investigating the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the frequency of nurses’ food supplementation. Material and Methods: The study was carried out in the winter of 2020-2021 in the City of Zagreb and comprised a total of 148 nurses affiliated with the PHCC “Centar”. Data were collected via a questionnaire adapted to the purpose. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of PHCC. Differences between the group which changed its food supplementation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the group that did not were tested using the χ2 test. Results: The results reveal the consumption of some food supplements to be habitual to nurses. COVID-19 pandemic urged over a third of them to start taking food supplements, or to increase the amount and frequency of their use (38.5%). As for vitamins, during the pandemic nurses increased D vitamin intake (P<0.001). Significant differences in the consumption of minerals & proteins seen between the group that changed its food supplementation habits and the one that did not, arose primarily due to the changes in magnesium (P=0.020) and zinc intake (P=0.030). On top of that, a significant rise in beta glucan (P=0.015), and homeopathic preparations’(P=0.010) intake was documented. Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts food supplementation in nurses. Based on the dietary recommendations, during the pandemic the focus should be shifted to healthy diet principles. In case of an increased risk of COVID-19 disease or nutrient deficiency, food supplements should be introduced, too.