Role of Micronutrients and Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolites in COVID-19 Recovery

Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Oct 14;23(20):12324. doi: 10.3390/ijms232012324.

Abstract

A balanced and varied diet provides diverse beneficial effects on health, such as adequate micronutrient availability and a gut microbiome in homeostasis. Besides their participation in biochemical processes as cofactors and coenzymes, vitamins and minerals have an immunoregulatory function; meanwhile, gut microbiota and its metabolites coordinate directly and indirectly the cell response through the interaction with the host receptors. Malnourishment is a crucial risk factor for several pathologies, and its involvement during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic has been reported. This pandemic has caused a significant decline in the worldwide population, especially those with chronic diseases, reduced physical activity, and elder age. Diet and gut microbiota composition are probable causes for this susceptibility, and its supplementation can play a role in reestablishing microbial homeostasis and improving immunity response against Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection and recovery. This study reviews the role of micronutrients and microbiomes in the risk of infection, the severity of disease, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 sequelae.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19 recovery; SARS-CoV-2; gut microbiota; microbiota-derived metabolites; micronutrients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • COVID-19*
  • Coenzymes
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Micronutrients / pharmacology
  • Vitamins / pharmacology

Substances

  • Micronutrients
  • Vitamins
  • Coenzymes

Grants and funding

The APC was funded by the Consejo Estatal de Ciencia y Tecnología de Jalisco (COECYTJAL) grant number [Project FODECIJAL 2021-9761].