Immunonutrition effects on coping with COVID-19

Food Funct. 2021 Sep 7;12(17):7637-7650. doi: 10.1039/d1fo01278a. Epub 2021 Jul 21.

Abstract

COVID-19 implications are still a threat to global health. In the face of this pandemic, food and nutrition are key issues that can boost the immune system. The bioactivity of functional foods and nutrients (probiotics, prebiotics, water- and fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, glutamine, arginine, nucleotides, and PUFAs) contributes to immune system modulation, which establishes the status of nutrients as a factor of immune competence. These foods can contribute, especially during a pandemic, to the minimization of complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, it is important to support the nutritional strategies for strengthening the immune status, associated with good eating habits, as a way to confront COVID-19.

MeSH terms

  • Arginine
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Functional Food*
  • Glutamine
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation*
  • Nutrients / administration & dosage*
  • Nutritional Status / immunology*
  • Phenols
  • Prebiotics
  • Probiotics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Trace Elements

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Phenols
  • Prebiotics
  • Trace Elements
  • Glutamine
  • Arginine