A Review of the Role of Micronutrients and Bioactive Compounds on Immune System Supporting to Fight against the COVID-19 Disease

Abstract

Micronutrients are critical for an adequate function of the immune system and play a vital role in promoting health and nutritional well-being. The present work is aimed at reviewing (1) the role of micronutrients in helping the immune system to fight against the COVID-19 disease through the diet with food or food supplements and (2) the potential use of food health claims regarding immune function according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) requirements. Till date, there are some health claims authorized by the European Commission that refer to the role of certain essential nutrients (vitamins B6, B9, B12, A, D, C, and Cu, Fe, Se) to contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamins D, C, Zn, and Se, have been thoroughly studied as a strategy to improve the immune system to fight against COVID-19 disease. From all the micronutrients, Vitamin D is the one with more scientific evidence suggesting positive effects against COVID-19 disease as it is linked to a reduction of infection rates, as well as an improved outcomes in patients. To validate scientific evidence, different clinical trials are ongoing currently, with promising preliminary results although inconclusive yet.

Characterization of the Trans-Epithelial Transport of Green Tea (C. sinensis) Catechin Extracts with In Vitro Inhibitory Effect against the SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease Activity

“…Indeed, many bioactive substances, which are naturally present in foods, have widely displayed potent biological activity [5,6]. Therefore, natural substances, especially those within plant-derived phytocomplexes, may represent sources of active compounds that may synergistically impair the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 progression [7,8].…”

Vitamin B6 in Health and Disease

“…It is possible that PLP may contribute to the suppression of the cytokine storm and inflammation from which some COVID-19 patients suffer [ 54 ]. Camara [ 55 ] reported on the European Commission’s EU Register of Nutrition and Health Claims Made on Foods authorized data of vitamin B6 related to the function of the immune system. The amount of the vitamin that helps support a human’s immune system is 0.21 mg/100 g (foods) and 0.105 mg/100 mL (beverages).…”

Healthy and Sustainable Food Habits in Times of the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…Esto se ha visto en personas con sobrepeso y obesidad, convirtiéndose en un factor de riesgo de enfermedad grave de COVID-19. Es por ello que desde el comienzo de la pandemia distintos investigadores se han ocupado en analizar cómo una alimentación saludable, en el marco de una dieta variada y equilibrada, puede contribuir a mantener un mejor estado de salud, incluyendo un mejor funcionamiento del sistema inmune (19)(20)(21)(22).…”

“…87. nº 2 (2021) • pp. 195-204Tabla 2.-Alimentos que pueden ser considerados como fuente de los micronutrientes para los cuales se ha autorizado alguna Declaración de Salud en relación a su contribución al normal funcionamiento del sistema inmune.Basado en:(22,(32)(33)(34)(35)…”