Do body mass index (BMI) and history of nutritional supplementation play a role in the severity of COVID-19? A retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that puts strain on health-care systems. Obesity is considered as a risk factor for the severity of infection. Hypotheses also suggested some nutritional supplements may be useful in COVID-19. This paper aims to assess the role of body mass index (BMI) and nutritional supplements on the severity of COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach This research was conducted on 603 participants (in five groups including: exposure to virus and healthy, COVID-19 positive patients with severity of mild, moderate, severe and death from COVID-19), in age 18 to 65 years. Demographic data and history of nutritional supplements were asked. Anthropometric measurements were measured in a healthy group and in a patient. They were collected by referring to patients' medical records. Findings The mean of BMI in groups with severity symptoms of moderate (27.57 kg/m2), severe (29.70 kg/m2) and death persons (28.13 kg/m2), was significantly higher than healthy (26.70 kg/m2) and mild symptoms (26.57 kg/m2) groups (p = 0.001). The logistic regression shown, the fourth quartile of BMI was significantly associated with occurrence of COVID19, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI): [OR: 1.81, (95% CI: 1.13– 2.89), p-for trend = 0.55]. There was no significant difference in the percentage of vitamin C, D3, Zinc, Iron and multivitamin supplements intake, between groups, in the past six months (p = 0.11). Originality/value This study indicated the role of higher BMI in the occurrence and severity of COVID-19. Researches are not enough to recommend consumption of nutritional supplements for the prevention of COVID-19.

Are history of dietary intake and food habits of patients with clinical symptoms of COVID 19 different from healthy controls? A case–control study

“…The severity of clinical symptoms in positive COVID-19 patients is varied, ranging from asymptomatic to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ dysfunction [6]. Previous researches reported male sex, older age, and chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity as the risk factors for severe clinical symptoms of COVID-19 [7,8].…”

Association between COVID-19 vaccine side effects and history of nutritional supplement intake and body mass index (BMI): a retrospective study

“…A recent study found that taking vitamin supplements in the past six months, did not affect the severity of clinical symptoms in people who have experienced COVID-19 (Mohseni et al , 2021). Additionally, a number of review studies and commentary have suggested that nutrients can strengthen the immune system, which may contribute to the prevention of COVID19 (Calder et al , 2020; Muscogiuri et al , 2020; Calder, 2020).…”

Relationship Between BMI and Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients

“…Many surveys recommend nutritional supplements for improving immunity against coronavirus infection. Mohseni et al compared the COVID-19 infected patients for the induced immunity following nutritional consumption; their findings revealed that the higher BMI as a risk factor was not influenced, and patients with higher BMI had a higher severity of infection (15).…”