Mediterranean Diet a Potential Strategy against SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Mediterranean Diet represents the traditional eating habits of populations living around the Mediterranean Sea, and it is associated with a lower risk of overall mortality and cancer incidence and cardiovascular diseases. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a new pandemic, and represents a significant and critical threat to global human health. In this study, we aimed to review the possible effects of Mediterranean Diet against the risk of the coronavirus disease 2019. Several vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and phytochemicals with their potential anti-COVID-19 activity are presented. Different risk factors may increase or reduce the probability of contracting the disease. Mediterranean Diet has also a positive action on inflammation and immune system and could have a protective effect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Further studies are needed to corroborate the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet protective role on infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Factors Modulating COVID-19: A Mechanistic Understanding Based on the Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework

“…A recent review postulates that high-fat diets increase intestinal permeability by directly and indirectly disrupting TJs, inducing oxidative stress, and increasing pathogenic intestinal bacteria, which further damage barrier integrity [ 475 ] and enhance systemic inflammation. Fibrous foods and foods containing prebiotics boost intestinal barrier function [ 476 ].…”

Nutrición y ejercicio físico, una considerable propuesta de ayuda no farmacológica ante el COVID-19 (Nutrition and exercise, a considerable proposal for non-pharmacological help against COVID-19)

“…Las dietas poco saludables y que no proveen los nutrientes en las cantidades necesarias no garantizan el mantenimiento de una buena salud al afectar de manera sistémica la composición corporal y sistema inmune. Diversos autores recomiendan un enfoque de alimentación mediterránea ya que comprende grupos de alimentos con potencial antiinflamatorio, antioxidante, antitrombótico y antiviral; como el aceite de oliva, ingesta moderada de pescados, nueces, cereales integrales, lácteos, frutas y vegetales, son algunos que se encuentran dentro de este régimen de alimentación con interesantes efectos fisiológicos coadyuvantes contra el COVID-19 y sus factores de riesgo (Ling & Zabetakis, 2021;Angelidi, Kokkinos, Katechaki, Ros & Mantzoros, 2021;Ferro et al, 2021;Vitale, Magone, Galatola & Magrone, 2021;Academia Española de Nutrición y Dietética, 2020;Detopoulou et al, 2021;Perez-Araluce et al, 2021;D'Innocenzo, Biagi & Lanari, 2019;Esposito et al, 2004;Papadaki, Nolen-Doerr & Mantzoros, 2020).…”

“…En la actualidad, existe información escasa que sugiere que las comorbilidades exhibidas en los sujetos que presentan la enfermedad por coronavirus pueden ser prevenidas y tratadas a través de la implementación de un régimen de alimentación mediterráneo (Ling et al, 2021;Angelidi et al, 2021;Ferro et al, 2021;Vitale et al, 2021;Perez-Araluce et al, 2021). Enfatizando que hasta el momento no hay datos concluyentes que afirmen de forma robusta que llevar a cabo un protocolo mediterráneo pueda prevenir específicamente los niveles de infección y/o reducir la gravedad de la enfermedad por coronavirus.…”

Higher Adherence to the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Is Inversely Associated With Severity of COVID-19 and Related Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a widespread dietary pattern associated with anti-inflammatory properties due to its high consumption of olive oil, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and low intake of meats and dairy products (22)(23)(24)(25). The MD is a healthy dietary approach that promotes overall well-being (26) and is associated with risk reduction of the common comorbidities observed in COVID-19 patients (27).…”