COVID-19 and nutritional deficiency: a review of existing knowledge.
Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig
; 42(1): 77-85, 2021 Feb 04.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1067449
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has resulted in an ongoing global pandemic, which spread largely among people who have had close contact with the infected person. The immunopathology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus includes the production of an excess amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines "a cytokine-storm". The respiratory system (main), cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract are the most affected body systems during viral infection. It has been found that most of the patients who require admission to hospital are elderly or have chronic underlying diseases. Higher cases of malnutrition and co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases are reported in elderly patients due to which, the immune system weakens and hence, the response to the virus is diminished in magnitude. A deficiency of micronutrients results in impaired immune responses leading to improper secretion of cytokines, alterations in secretory antibody response and antibody affinity which increases susceptibility to viral infection. The deficiency of various micronutrients in COVID-19 patient can be treated by appropriate nutritional supplements, prescribed after evaluating the patients' nutritional status. Here we aim to highlight the role of a few particular nutrients namely Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, Zinc and Magnesium along with the synergistic roles they play in enhancing immunity and thus, maintaining homeostasis.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Malnutrition
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
Topics:
Long Covid
/
Traditional medicine
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Hmbci-2020-0074
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