The Role of Micronutrients to Support Immunity for COVID-19 Prevention

Abstract

The World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus, named as SARS-CoV-2, as a global pandemic in early 2020 after the disease spread to more than 180 countries leading to tens of thousands of cases and many deaths within a couple of months. Consequently, this paper aims to summarize the evidence for the relationships between nutrition and the boosting of the immune system in the fight against the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. This review, in particular, assesses the impact of vitamin and mineral supplements on the body's defence mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2. The results revealed that there is a strong relationship between the ingestion of biological ingredients like vitamins C-E, and minerals such as zinc, and a reduction in the effects of coronavirus infection. These can be received from either nutrition rich food sources or from vitamin supplements. Furthermore, these macromolecules might have roles to play in boosting the immune response, in the healing process and the recovery time. Hence, we recommend that eating healthy foods rich in vitamins C-E with zinc and flavonoids could boost the immune system and consequently protect the body from serious infections.

Keywords: Minerals; Nutrition; SARS-CoV-2; Supplements; Vitamins.

Scheme 1

The structure of ascorbic acid and the main products of redox reactions. Ascorbic acid (AscH2); ascorbate anion (AscH¯); ascorbyl radical (Asc•^-); dehydroascorbic acid (DHA)

Fig. 1

The anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic activity of Vitamin D. Reproduced from Chirumbolo et al.

Fig. 2

The various stages of viral replication cycles that are inhibited by zinc. Reproduced from Jothimani et al.

Fig. 3

Antioxidant activity of active redox natural compounds as flavonoids (scavengers of ROS) by promoting an increase in the levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (vitamins C and E and GSH) and a reduction of oxidative stress, and cell damage. Abbreviations: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species. Reproduced from Diniz et al.