Can an anti-inflammatory diet be effective in preventing or treating viral respiratory diseases? A systematic narrative review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adenoviridae #anti-inflammatory-agents #coronavirus #coronavirus-infections #crocus

Can an anti-inflammatory diet be effective in preventing or treating viral respiratory diseases? A systematic narrative review

Vahid et al., 2021 | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Systematic Review

Citation

Vahid Farhad, Rahmani Diana. Can an anti-inflammatory diet be effective in preventing or treating viral respiratory diseases? A systematic narrative review. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021-Jun;43:9-15. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.04.009

Abstract

Respiratory Viruses infections (RVI) such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, influenza virus, and adenovirus affect the respiratory and the immune systems. The role of nutrition in the respiratory and immune systems has been studied in some studies, and its importance is undeniable. In addition, one of the key findings in this disease is high inflammation that affects almost all patients. This systematic narrative review aims to answer the question, "Can an anti-inflammatory diet be effective in preventing or treating viral respiratory diseases?" A systematic review search was used for the articles extraction. All studies published in English from 1999 to 2020 investigating dietary inflammatory conditions and RVI were included. Food items with anti-inflammatory properties were selected based on the definition of the dietary inflammatory index (DII). We used Google Scholar, Pub Med, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer, Science Direct, Directory of Open Access Journals, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, ProQuest, EBSCO, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases for extracting articles. Keywords were restricted by DII. Based on DII, food items/nutrients are involved in inflammation, some of which have anti-inflammatory and some inflammatory properties. Some foods/nutrients, in addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, have antioxidant, antiviral, and immune-enhancing properties. Considering the immune system's involvement, increased inflammation, and involvement of the pulmonary system in RVI and the remarkable role of the anti-inflammatory foods for counteracting them, it is recommended to use a predominantly anti-inflammatory diet along with prevention/control and treatment protocols. An anti-inflammatory diet (based on DII) includes turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, saffron, dietary vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 are recommended to reduce infection symptoms and duration.

Key Findings

An anti-inflammatory diet (based on DII) includes turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, saffron, dietary vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 are recommended to reduce infection symptoms and duration.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Adenoviridae
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Coronavirus
  • Coronavirus Infections
  • Crocus
  • Diet
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Micronutrients
  • Nutrients
  • Nutritional Status
  • Orthomyxoviridae
  • Plant Extracts
  • Respiratory Tract Infections
  • Rhinovirus
  • Virus Diseases
  • Viruses
  • Vitamins
  • Zinc
  • Zingiberaceae

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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