Immunonutrition and SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children with Obesity

Abstract

Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there has been much discussion about the role of diet and antiviral immunity in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Intake levels of vitamins D, C, B12, and iron have been demonstrated to be correlated with lower COVID-19 incidence and mortality. Obesity has been demonstrated to be an independent risk for the severity of COVID-19 infection in adults and also in children. This may be due to different mechanisms, mainly including the gut dysbiosis status observed in obese children. Moreover, the existence of a gut–lung axis added new knowledge to on the potential mechanisms by which diet and dietary substances may affect immune function. The aim of this narrative review is to address the intricate inter-relationship between COVID-19, immune function, and obesity-related inflammation and to describe the role of nutrients and dietary patterns in enhancing the immune system. Two ways to fight against COVID-19 disease exist: one with an antiviral response through immune system boosting and another with antioxidants with an anti-inflammatory effect. In the current pandemic situation, the intake of a varied and balanced diet, rich in micronutrients and bioactive compounds including fibers, should be recommended. However, clinical studies conducted on children affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection and comorbidity are warranted.

The Gut Microbiome of Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This may be especially important for young children during their critical window of microbiome development early in life, which is crucial for immune education. Conversely, antibiotic use, which can have a profound negative impact on the developing microbiome and is associated with obesity and other inflammatory diseases later in life, was found to be reduced in children, especially during the start of the pandemic, which may possibly counteract some of these effects [228].…”

“…With this purpose, researchers developed probiotic-based sanitation that may stably decrease pathogens on surfaces while avoiding the promotion of antimicrobial resistance for use in a children's hospital [229]. In this way, the probiotic cleaner better conserves beneficial bacteria and stops pathogenic bacteria from acquiring mutations that improve their pathogenicity [228][229][230]. The development of alternative methods to counter the effects of the pandemic should be promoted to avoid potential changes in the microbiome that may result in the worsening of health outcomes.…”

The relationship between family diet consumption, family environment, parent anxiety and nutrition status children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a simultaneous presence of childhood overweight and obesity as well as malnutrition, with the pandemic response measures exacerbating this challenge ( 1 , 2 ). According to the World Health Organization, nearly 39 million children were overweight in 2020, and there were almost 340 million overweight or obese children aged 5 to 18 years ( 3 ). Additionally, over 149 million children under the age of five experienced stunted growth, and in 2021, the global population affected by hunger reached 828 million ( 4 ).…”

Studies of immune parameters in adolescents over the period of 2020-2021

“…Распространенность новой коронавирусной инфекции среди детского населения изучалась в работах [6,9]. Протекание коронавирусной инфекции у детей с избыточным весом изучалась в работе [7]. Исследованию пандемии в Пермском крае посвящена статья [8].…”