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Review
. 2022 Apr 20;14(9):1701.
doi: 10.3390/nu14091701.

Immunonutrition and SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children with Obesity

Enza D'Auria  1 , Valeria Calcaterra  1   2 , Elvira Verduci  1   3 , Michele Ghezzi  1 , Rossella Lamberti  1 , Sara Vizzuso  1 , Paola Baldassarre  1 , Erica Pendezza  1 , Veronica Perico  1 , Alessandra Bosetti  1 , Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti  1   4
Affiliations
Review

Immunonutrition and SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children with Obesity

Enza D'Auria et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there has been much discussion about the role of diet and antiviral immunity in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Intake levels of vitamins D, C, B12, and iron have been demonstrated to be correlated with lower COVID-19 incidence and mortality. Obesity has been demonstrated to be an independent risk for the severity of COVID-19 infection in adults and also in children. This may be due to different mechanisms, mainly including the gut dysbiosis status observed in obese children. Moreover, the existence of a gut-lung axis added new knowledge to on the potential mechanisms by which diet and dietary substances may affect immune function. The aim of this narrative review is to address the intricate inter-relationship between COVID-19, immune function, and obesity-related inflammation and to describe the role of nutrients and dietary patterns in enhancing the immune system. Two ways to fight against COVID-19 disease exist: one with an antiviral response through immune system boosting and another with antioxidants with an anti-inflammatory effect. In the current pandemic situation, the intake of a varied and balanced diet, rich in micronutrients and bioactive compounds including fibers, should be recommended. However, clinical studies conducted on children affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection and comorbidity are warranted.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2 infection; antiviral immunity; dysbiosis; gut–lung axis; immunonutrition; micronutrients; obesity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune effects of excessive adipose tissue.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The gut–lung axis in SARS-CoV-2 infection. SCFA = short chain fatty acids; DCs = dendritic cells.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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