COVID-19, Nutrients and Lifestyle Eating Behaviors: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 infection, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), quickly emerged as the most significant event of the new millennium. A balanced diet seems to ensure the proper functioning of the immune system and plays a fundamental role in the prevention of viral disease, inflammation, or thrombosis. The principal aim of this secondary study was to investigate the relationship between nutrients, lifestyle eating behaviors, and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted in the PubMed-Medline database, analyzing primary studies.

Results: Our review identified 21 relevant studies: 13 focused on vitamins, 1 on omega-3 supplementation, 1 on probiotics, and 6 on lifestyle and dietary behaviors. Vitamin supplementation has shown promise in attenuating COVID-19 symptoms and reducing mortality risk. Specifically, vitamin D has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing immune responses among patients with the disease. While preliminary evidence suggests the potential benefits of omega-3 and probiotic supplementation in improving health outcomes for COVID-19 outpatients, further research is needed to solidify these findings.

Conclusions: The lifestyle changes imposed by lockdown measures have adversely affected psychological well-being and exacerbated health issues associated with reduced physical activity and poor dietary habits.

Keywords: COVID-19; lifestyle eating behaviors; narrative review; nutrients; public health.

Figure 1

Study selection flow chart.