COVID-19 and Nutrition: Focus on Chronic Kidney Disease

J Ren Nutr. 2023 Nov;33(6S):S118-S127. doi: 10.1053/j.jrn.2023.01.004. Epub 2023 Aug 25.

Abstract

Some chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), may be associated with poor outcomes, including a high rate of hospitalization and death after COVID-19 infection. In addition to the vaccination program, diet intervention is essential for boosting immunity and preventing complications. A healthy diet containing bioactive compounds may help mitigate inflammatory responses and oxidative stress caused by COVID-19. In this review, we discuss dietary interventions for mitigating COVID-19 complications, including in persons with CKD, which can worsen COVID-19 symptoms and its clinical outcomes, while diet may help patients with CKD to resist the ravages of COVID-19 by improving the immune system, modulating gut dysbiosis, mitigating COVID-19 complications, and reducing hospitalization and mortality. The concept of food as medicine, also known as culinary medicine, for patients with CKD can be extrapolated to COVID-19 infection because healthy foods and nutraceuticals have the potential to exert an important antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant role.

Keywords: COVID-19; chronic kidney disease; inflammation; nutrition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Diet
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* / complications

Substances

  • Antioxidants