The role of nutrition in respiratory disease and COVID-19 management

ABSTRACT

Nutrition plays a significant role in boosting immune function thereby enabling the body fight infections. The emergence of the novel corona virus, COVID-19, has underscored the need for critical assessment of the contribution of various nutrients in enhancing improved immunity to prevent and treat infected individuals. This review aimed at highlighting how some nutrients aid in boosting immunity. Also, the evidence for incorporating various micronutrients in the treatment regime and the likely role they play in the prevention, the optimization of nutrition for improved mental health and treatment of COVID-19 is discussed. This chapter was developed following a review of existing systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and randomized prospective study literature on the subject of nutrition and infection with special emphasis on respiratory infection and COVID-19. Timely, appropriate, and adequate nutrition provision is paramount to combating the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.