Nutritional perspectives for the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19

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#covid-19 #diet #dietary-supplements #humans #immune-system

Nutritional perspectives for the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19

Akhtar et al., 2021 | Nutr Rev | Systematic Review

Citation

Akhtar Saeed, Das Jai K, ... Bhutta Zulfiqar A. Nutritional perspectives for the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19. Nutr Rev. 2021-Feb-11;79(3):289-300. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuaa063

Abstract

Worldwide, there is an array of clinical trials under way to evaluate treatment options against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Concurrently, several nutritional therapies and alternative supportive treatments are also being used and tested to reduce the mortality associated with acute respiratory distress in patients with COVID-19. In the context of COVID-19, improved nutrition that includes micronutrient supplementation to augment the immune system has been recognized as a viable approach to both prevent and alleviate the severity of the infection. The potential role of micronutrients as immune-boosting agents is particularly relevant for low- and middle-income countries, which already have an existing high burden of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. A systematic literature review was performed to identify nutritional interventions that might prevent or aid in the recovery from COVID-19. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched electronically from February to April 2020. All abstracts and full-text articles were examined for their relevance to this review. The information gathered was collated under various categories. Deficiencies of micronutrients, especially vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, zinc, iron, and selenium, are common among vulnerable populations in general and among COVID-19 patients in particular and could plausibly increase the risk of mortality. Judicious use of need-based micronutrient supplementation, alongside existing micronutrient fortification programs, is warranted in the current global pandemic, especially in low- and middle-income economies.

Key Findings

Judicious use of need-based micronutrient supplementation, alongside existing micronutrient fortification programs, is warranted in the current global pandemic, especially in low- and middle-income economies.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population covid
Sample Size 19
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • COVID-19
  • Diet
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Iron
  • Micronutrients
  • Nutrition Therapy
  • Nutritional Status
  • Selenium
  • Trace Elements
  • Vitamin A
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: selenium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09