Potential Impact of Nutrition on Immune System: Prevent or Assist COVID-19 Recovery

Abstract

In human beings, infection risk and severity differ according to immune competence based on how the immune system grows, matures, and declines. Many factors affect the immune system and its competencies, including diet. A number of clinical trials are underway to determine treatment options for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by extreme acute coronavirus syndrome. Considering Covid-19, enhanced nutrition including micronutrient supplementation to improve the immune system has been recognized as a viable solution to both preventing and alleviating infection severity. Micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamins A, B complex, C, and D including trace minerals zinc, iron, and selenium, are prevalent among vulnerable populations in general, and among COVID-19 patients in particular, and may likely increase mortality risk. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify nutritional strategies that might prevent or assist COVID-19 recovery. There is still an unmet need for covering the treatment of geriatric and pediatric patients.