COVID-19 and Nutrition: Summary of Official Recommendations

Top Clin Nutr. 2022 Jul-Sep;37(3):187-202. doi: 10.1097/TIN.0000000000000286. Epub 2022 Jun 22.

Abstract

Medical nutrition therapy may have a key role in the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the spread of misinformation, the present review organizes and summarizes nutrition recommendations regarding COVID-19, serving as a reference guide for health professionals. Nineteen official recommendations were included of international, US, Asian, European, Canadian, and Australian origin on (i) lactation, (ii) nutrition during quarantine, (iii) nutrition in high-risk groups, (iv) nutrition for recovery at home, and (v) nutrition in hospital. Breastfeeding is encouraged, and the role of hydration and the adoption of a healthy diet during quarantine are emphasized. Older people and/or people with comorbidities should be checked for malnutrition and follow a healthy diet. For patients recovering at home, hydration, protein, and energy intake should be ensured. For hospitalized patients, early feeding with a priority on enteral route is recommended.

Keywords: COVID-19; coronavirus; hospital; lactation; nutrition; quarantine; recommendations.

Publication types

  • Review