Immune-boosting role of vitamins D, C, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids – Shakoor et al. 2021

COVID-19 disproportionately affects the elderly, both directly, and through a number of significant age-related comorbidities. Undoubtedly, nutrition is a key determinant of maintaining good health. Key dietary components such as vitamins C, D, E, zinc, selenium and the omega 3 fatty acids have well-established immunomodulatory effects, with benefits in infectious disease. Some of these nutrients have also been shown to have a potential role in the management of COVID-19.

Population studied: 211 non-duplicate records were identified and underwent title and abstract screening. A total of 35 relevant studies specifically on COVID-19 and nutrition or diet components were identified.

Method: To identify COVID-19, specific literature, title/abstract searches were conducted in the ‘PubMed,’ ‘Google Scholar’ and ‘Science Direct’ databases. Search terms included ‘COVID-19’, ‘SARS-CoV-2’, ‘coronavirus’, ‘nutrient’, ‘vitamin’, and ‘mineral’, with filters identifying only studies published since 2020.

Results: The effects of vitamins C, D, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids on the immune system and the possible benefits to those suffering from COVID-19 were investigated. All of the nutrients have a feasible role in the support of COVID-19 patients.

Reference

H. Shakoor, J. Feehan, A. S. A. Dhaheri, H. I. Ali, C. Platat, L. C. Ismail, V. Apostolopoulos, L. Stojanovska, Maturitas, 2021, 143, 1-9. Immune-boosting role of vitamins D, C, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids: Could they help against COVID-19?

Immune-boosting role of vitamins D, C, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids – Shakoor et al. 2021

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