Healthy Immunity on Preventive Medicine for Combating COVID-19

Abstract

Immunomodulation is influenced by the consumption of nutrients, and healthy immunity is pivotal to defending an individual from a variety of pathogens. The immune system is a network of intricately regulated biological processes that is comprised of many organs, cellular structures, and signaling molecules. A balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, is key to a strengthened immune system and, thus, crucial to proper functioning of various physiological activities. Conversely, deficiencies of these micronutrients, involving impaired immunity, are linked to numerous health complications, along with a host of pathologies. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a dangerous infectious disease caused by a β-form of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its genomic variants, which enter host cells upon binding to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptors, and is associated with substantial morbidities and mortalities globally. Patients afflicted with COVID-19 display asymptomatic to severe symptoms, occurrences of which are multifactorial and include diverse immune responses, sex and gender differences, aging, and underlying medical conditions. Geriatric populations, especially men in comparison to women, regardless of their states, are most vulnerable to severe COVID-19-associated infections and complications, with fatal outcomes. Advances in genomic and proteomic technologies help one understand molecular events, including host–pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of COVID-19 and, subsequently, have developed a variety of preventive measures urgently, ranging from mask wearing to vaccination to medication. Despite these approaches, no unique strategy is available today that can effectively prevent and/or treat this hostile disease. As a consequence, the maintenance of a boosted immune system could be considered a high priority of preventive medicine for combating COVID-19. Herein, we discuss the current level of understanding underlining the contribution of healthy immunity and its relevance to COVID-19 molecular pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic strategies, in the management of this devastating disease.

Effects of a New Multicomponent Nutritional Supplement on Muscle Mass and Physical Performance in Adult and Old Patients Recovered from COVID-19: A Pilot Observational Case–Control Study

“…With the persistence of these conditions, it is important to advocate for specific nutritional assessment protocols and the prescription of multicomponent nutritional support. The estimation of energy, protein, special micronutrient, and oral nutritional supplement needs to be implemented in accordance with the appropriate guidelines in both non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 patients, while taking into consideration all the specific requirements of the older persons and/or polymorbid patients [ 20 , 21 ].…”

Fermented Carica papaya and Morinda citrifolia as Perspective Food Supplements for the Treatment of Post-COVID Symptoms: Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Laboratory Study

“…According to leading views, practically all negative life-threatening outcomes of COVID-19 disease, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardio-vascular damage, and pro-thrombotic conditions, are secondary to the overload of pro-inflammatory cytokines (cytokine storm) and to aggressive oxidative stress [ 2 , 10 ]. As a result, dietary vitamins (A, D, E, and group B) and microelements (zinc, iron, copper, selenium, and magnesium) possessing anti-inflammatory properties, able of inducing anti-oxidative response, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines through various mechanisms, and stimulating innate immunity against infections, have been recommended as a supplement for infection prevention [ 9 , 11 , 12 , 13 ] and as remedies for COVID-19 disease and its consequences [ 9 , 10 , 12 ]. Several other important nutritional factors, such as n-3 fatty acids [ 14 ] and probiotics/prebiotics derived from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria [ 14 , 15 ], have been suggested for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19-related gastrointestinal and lung disorders…”