The role of micronutrients in the management of COIVD-19 and optimizing vaccine efficacy

Abstract

Since COVID-19 was declared as a pandemic, a race between researchers has begun to deeply examine the mechanism of the virus and how to combat it. Few clinical investigations and studies have paid attention to the role of micronutrients in the disease's course and how it may affect the disease outcomes. Micronutrients have a noticeable effect on the host immune system regulation, as well as micronutrients insufficiencies where they can affect the host immune response against SARS-CoV-2 by, for example, altering the production and the function of the inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, IFN-α, TNF and interleukins. Recent studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, selenium, copper and magnesium have a great clinical impact on COVID-19 patients, where, they are linked to prolong hospital stay, increase the mortality rate and raise the complications rate related not only to the respiratory system but also to the other systems. Optimizing the need for these micronutrients will act as a productive factor by decreasing the incidence of COVID-19 infection, lowering the complication rate, and improving the disease prognosis and outcomes. Optimal micro-nutrition supports and contributes to the efficiency of COVID-19 vaccine. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of different micronutrients in the management of COVID-19 and optimizing vaccines, and to revile the clinical effects of micronutrients deficiencies on patients with COVID-19.

Microbial and Non-Microbial Biostimulants as Innovative Tools to Increase Macro and Trace Element Mineral Composition of Tomato and Spinach

“…Specifically, the highest percentage increase was recorded for Se (224.09%) followed by Zn (127.10%), Mn (125.90%), Fe (102.70%) and Cu (68.50%). Remarkably, the latter element (Cu) plays a key role in the course of infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) [43].…”

Addressing the contribution of small molecule-based biostimulants to the biofortification of maize in a water restriction scenario

“…Besides, both minerals are considered essential for human health ( White and Broadley, 2009 ; Garg et al, 2018 ). It is worth mentioning that the deficiencies in Cu also play a vital role in COVID-19, altering the disease outcomes and prognosis ( Altooq et al, 2022 ). In this context, crop biofortification by applying compounds or fertilizers increases attention to assure plant and human health.…”