Joint Effort towards Preventing Nutritional Deficiencies at the Extremes of Life during COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic is posing a threat to communities and healthcare systems worldwide. Malnutrition, in all its forms, may negatively impact the susceptibility and severity of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection in both children and older adults. Both undernutrition and obesity have been evoked as conditions associated with a higher susceptibility to the infection and poor prognosis. In turn, the COVID-19 infection may worsen the nutritional status through highly catabolic conditions, exposing individuals to the risk of malnutrition, muscle wasting, and nutritional deficiencies. Accordingly, the relationship between malnutrition and COVID-19 is likely to be bidirectional. Furthermore, the modification of nutritional behaviors and physical activity, required to limit the spread of the virus, are posing a challenge to health at both the extremes of life. Thus far, even the most advanced healthcare systems have failed to address the alarming consequences of malnutrition posed by this pandemic. If not properly addressed, we may run the risk that new and old generations will experience the consequences of COVID-19 related malnutrition.

Short-Term Effects of a Conditioning Telerehabilitation Program in Confined Patients Affected by COVID-19 in the Acute Phase. A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In that sense, it has been argued that continuing physical activity during confinement to stay healthy and maintain immune system function is a reasonable health rationale [ 7 ], as confinement generates serious problems in the physical and nutritional state of patients [ 8 ]. Indeed, exercise can play an essential role against respiratory infections and disorders, such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which are two common disorders with COVID-19 [ 9 , 10 ] and, in people in the lockdown period, it is strongly recommended to decrease the risk factors of COVID-19, improving immune and respiratory systems’ function to allow better body response against the disease [ 11 ].…”

Lockdown Effect on Elderly Nutritional Health

“…Although COVID-19 is expected to increase malnutrition, as well as stunting, and micronutrient deficiencies [3], only relatively few data [4] have been reported concerning the nutritional status in elderly subjects during the COVID-19 pandemic time.…”

When the Pandemic Will Be Over: Lots of Hope and Some Concerns

“…Nutritional status has been indicated as a pivotal factor mediating COVID-19 susceptibility and severity [ 14 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. Older people with underlying chronic comorbidities are at high risk for malnutrition and, consequently, adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 infection [ 36 ].…”