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Review
. 2025 Apr 4;14(7):2482.
doi: 10.3390/jcm14072482.

Systematic Review of the Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Systems and Society-The Role of Diagnostics and Nutrition in Pandemic Response

Wanda Olesińska  1 , Małgorzata Biernatek  1 , Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska  1 , Jacek Piątek  1
Affiliations
Review

Systematic Review of the Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Systems and Society-The Role of Diagnostics and Nutrition in Pandemic Response

Wanda Olesińska et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed deep vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and public health preparedness. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of epidemiological procedures, the role of diagnostics, and the influence of nutritional status on immune function and disease severity. A total of 88 studies were analyzed, encompassing diagnostics, micronutrient deficiencies (notably vitamin D, C, E, zinc, and selenium), and the psychosocial impact of the pandemic. The results underscore the importance of integrated strategies-including accurate testing, preventive nutritional measures, and mental health support-in improving outcomes and societal resilience during global health crises. Unlike previous reviews that focused on isolated biomedical or public health elements, this study integrates diagnostics, immune-nutritional status, and psychosocial effects to present a comprehensive, multidimensional analysis of pandemic impact and preparedness.

Keywords: COVID-19; healthcare; immune response; mental health; nutrition; pandemic management.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA Flow Diagram of the Study Selection Process.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The diagram above illustrates the relationships between reduced levels of 7-DHC (a precursor of vitamin D), vitamin D deficiency, increased inflammation, and the risk of ARDS, as well as the impact of aging on immunity and the severity of COVID-19. Explanation: up arrow, higher content, down arrow lower concentration.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Mechanistic pathway linking selenium deficiency to immune suppression and severe COVID-19. Explanation: up arrow, higher content, down arrow, lower concentration.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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