What role does nutrition have in COVID-19?

What role does nutrition have in COVID-19?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection with a high inflammatory component known as the cytokine storm, which is common in those with severe disease. While many academics are working on ways to prevent the cytokine storm, dietary changes can also have a substantial impact on the risk of inflammation.

Scientists analyse existing data on how changes in diet can alter infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in a recent Nutrients article (SARS-CoV-2).

The Mediterranean diet has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation in individuals, potentially lowering vulnerability to severe COVID-19 infection. The Mediterranean diet is linked to lower insulin resistance, increased incretins, lower blood pressure, and a variety of other health benefits.

Polyphenols included in foods and nutrients ingested in a Mediterranean diet can help inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines. This diet is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower levels of pro-inflammatory mediators. Many people who follow this diet have higher amounts of adiponectin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Dietary manipulation of the immune system is proposed. The Western diet, which is high in fat, refined sugar, and saturated carbohydrates, causes obesity and an increase in TH1 and cytotoxic T cells, leading to a low-grade inflammatory state. COVID-19's propensity to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines exacerbates this inflammatory pathway, resulting in ARDS and associated morbid consequences. In contrast, a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish helps to retain lean adipose tissue, which contributes to a healthy immune system and reduced or nonexistent inflammation. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1); interleukin-6 (IL-6); interferon-gamma (IFN); interleukin-2 (IL-2); reactive oxygen species (ROS); acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (ARDS).

Vitamins

Vitamin D can help damage pathogen cell membranes by enhancing the production of antimicrobial peptides such as defensin beta2 and cathelicidin in immune cells. This vitamin has also been proven to inhibit TH1 cells, lower proinflammatory cytokine levels, and increase the production of Treg cells, which can keep the body from becoming pro-inflammatory.

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Vitamin D supplementation has been demonstrated in previous research to lessen the severity of viral illness and the risk of acute respiratory infection. COVID-19 is more likely to be seen in those who have low vitamin D levels.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines are reduced by vitamin C. TNF- has been linked to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Increased vitamin C intake stimulates the generation of interleukin 10 (IL-10) which reduces inflammation and strengthens the lung epithelial barrier, lowering disease severity. Direct studies on the effects of vitamin C have shown mixed results, with some concluding that it has no effect and others finding significant decreases in mortality and longer mean survival times.

There are significantly fewer studies that have examined the role of vitamin E; however, one meta-analysis study suggested that high doses of this vitamin could increase the risk of mortality.

Glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant that has been shown to inhibit nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation, thus reducing signaling that can increase inflammation. GSH is also highly present in the lining fluid of the lungs to protect epithelial cells.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is the precursor to GSH, can also block NF-κB activation. COVID-19 patients have been shown to have significantly reduced concentrations of GSH, the levels of which have an indirect relationship with fever and duration of hospitalization. Larger studies have shown that while NAC cannot reduce short-term mortality due to COVID-19, it does reduce the duration of intensive care stay for patients with severe symptoms.

The precursor of GSH, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), can similarly inhibit NF-B activation. GSH levels have been found to be considerably lower in COVID-19 patients, with levels having an inverse association with fever and hospitalisation length. While larger studies have indicated that NAC does not reduce COVID-19-related short-term mortality, it does shorten the time spent in intensive care for individuals with severe symptoms.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency can damage the respiratory barrier by upregulating interferon (IFN-) and TNF-, whereas enough amounts can keep Beta-catenin and E-cadherin in place. Zinc is an immunomodulatory chemical that can assist avoid hyperimmune reactions by preventing cytokine overproduction. This mineral can also stop viral multiplication in its tracks.

Low plasma zinc levels have been linked to severe respiratory distress in studies assessing the impact of zinc against SARS-CoV-2. Significant negative relationships have also been documented between serum zinc levels and inflammation indicators C-reactive protein and IL-6. The combination of zinc and vitamin C, in particular, has been demonstrated to shorten the time it takes for COVID-19 symptoms to disappear.

fatty acids omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been recognised as immune modulators and anti-inflammatory mediators. These chemicals reduce inflammation by inhibiting the NF-B pathway and lowering IL-1 production.

Clinical experiments examining the impact of these acids on COVID-19 have revealed considerable improvements in a variety of health indicators, as well as improved one-month survival rates. Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are linked to a decreased chance of new organ failures, less time on ventilation, and a lower overall risk of mortality.

Conclusions

According to the present study, dietary status may play a significant impact in both the management and prevention of COVID-19. The anti-inflammatory properties of the Mediterranean diet, as well as early evidence of vitamin efficacy, offer the potential to prevent some of COVID-19's most severe symptoms.

Zinc

Zinc shortage damages the respiratory barrier by upregulating interferon (IFN-) and TNF-, whereas adequate levels keep Beta-catenin and E-cadherin in place. Zinc is an immunomodulator that can help prevent hyperimmune reactions by reducing cytokine production. This mineral has the ability to stop viral replication dead in its tracks.

In research examining the impact of zinc against SARS-CoV-2, low plasma zinc levels have been connected to severe respiratory distress. There are also significant negative associations between serum zinc levels and the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and IL-6. The combination of zinc and vitamin C, in particular, has been shown to reduce the amount of time it takes for COVID-19 symptoms to go away.