Protective effect of nutrition and supplements on COVID-19 management

In March 2020, an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 termed COVID-19, was declared by WHO, as a world pandemic having affected 54.1 crores individuals across 230 countries to date (23rd June 2022). The infection is caused due to a fast-mutating virus that can best be controlled through one's immune system and strengthening the same is a challenge currently. Enriching immunity has persistently been a matter of study and conclusive results depict that nutritional status has a tremendous impact on strengthening immunity. Both macro-and micronutrients play a significant role in developing a strong immune response. Most of the mediators of immune response like cytokines, interferons, and antibodies along with surface markers such as MHC, toll-like receptors, membrane transporters, etc., are all proteinaceous, and hence an adequate protein intake is vital for ideal immune response. The fermentation of dietary fiber by the microflora in the gut leads to the generation of short-chain fatty acids known to be anti-inflammatory. Poor status of nutrients such as vitamin A and zinc have been reported to be related to not only the increased rate of infection risk but also higher levels of oxidative stress as well as inflammation. Both these factors down regulate the immunity and thereby lower the recovery rate. These nutrients mediate the immune signalling pathways including the transcription of factors as NFkB and Nrf-2 and reduce the generation of cytokines as IL-6 which are associated with reducing inflammation. Nutrients like vitamin D besides working on immunity also play a substantial contribution in preventing infection as they modulate the surface receptors, thereby hindering the entry of viruses into the host cells. This article is aimed at emphasising the vital significance of nutritional status in enhancing the immune system and preventing infection during the current pandemic.