Micronutrients and bioactive compounds in the immunological pathways related to SARS-CoV-2 (adults and elderly)

Eur J Nutr. 2021 Mar;60(2):559-579. doi: 10.1007/s00394-020-02410-1. Epub 2020 Oct 21.

Abstract

The new coronavirus pandemic is affecting the entire world with more than 25 million confirmed cases in August 2020 according to the World Health Organization. It is known that the virus can affect several tissues and can progress to a respiratory failure in severe cases. To prevent the progression to this stage of the disease and minimize all the damage caused by coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) the immune system must be in its integrity. A healthy nutritional status are fundamental to efficient immunological protection and consequently a good response to SARS-CoV-2. Micronutrients and bioactive compounds perform functions in immune cells that are extremely essential to stop SARS-CoV-2. Their adequate consumption is part of a non-pharmacological intervention to keep the immune system functioning. This review has as main objective to inform how micronutrients and bioactive compounds could act in the essential immunological pathways could stop SARS-CoV-2, focusing on the functions that have already established in the literature and transposing to this scenario.

Keywords: Bioactive compounds; COVID-19; Immunity; Micronutrients; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / immunology*
  • Micronutrients / immunology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytochemicals / immunology*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Micronutrients
  • Phytochemicals