Selenium and viral infection: are there lessons for COVID-19?
Br J Nutr
; 125(6): 618-627, 2021 03 28.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1139692
ABSTRACT
Se is a micronutrient essential for human health. Sub-optimal Se status is common, occurring in a significant proportion of the population across the world including parts of Europe and China. Human and animal studies have shown that Se status is a key determinant of the host response to viral infections. In this review, we address the question whether Se intake is a factor in determining the severity of response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Emphasis is placed on epidemiological and animal studies which suggest that Se affects host response to RNA viruses and on the molecular mechanisms by which Se and selenoproteins modulate the inter-linked redox homeostasis, stress response and inflammatory response. Together these studies indicate that Se status is an important factor in determining the host response to viral infections. Therefore, we conclude that Se status is likely to influence human response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and that Se status is one (of several) risk factors which may impact on the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in populations where Se intake is sub-optimal or low. We suggest the use of appropriate markers to assess the Se status of COVID-19 patients and possible supplementation may be beneficial in limiting the severity of symptoms, especially in countries where Se status is regarded as sub-optimal.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Selenium
/
Virus Diseases
/
RNA, Viral
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Br J Nutr
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S0007114520003128
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