Healthy eating plays a vital role in preventing COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world, with more than 62.26 million people infected. With the rapid spread of its causative agent, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), determining ways to prevent infection is crucial.

The immune system protects the host from pathogenic organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. To deal with a wide range of threats, the immune system has evolved to include many types of specialized cells that communicate and work in tandem to fight infections.

Since the immune system is active in surveillance throughout the day, it needs adequate nutrients. Several vitamins and trace elements have been shown to reduce the risk of infections.

A researcher from the School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton School of Medicine, explored the role of nutrition in strengthening the immune system to fight COVID-19 infection.

The study published in the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health emphasizes the importance of nutrition in strengthening the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

Immune system

The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defend the body against infection. He keeps a record of every pathogen he has ever encountered to recognize it and kill it if it enters the body again.

Immunological memory refers to the immune system’s ability to quickly recognize an antigen that the body has already encountered and trigger a corresponding immune response.

Many factors can alter the body’s immune response. Aging can be linked to a loss of competence of the immune system, called immunosenescence.

Immunosenescence is characterized by a reduction in immune cells, including T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells.

A factor associated with immunosenescence is a reduction in immune cells in the bone marrow, where these cells originate. All of these processes that occur in old age could predispose older people to more severe COVID-19.

Obesity is also linked to a reduced immune response. Usually, obese people suffer from disturbances in the activity of helper T lymphocytes, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. They also reduced the production of antibodies and interferon-gamma (IFN-y). This predisposes them to develop severe COVID-19.

Additionally, people who are obese may have a poorer response to vaccination. Obesity has also been linked to increased blood levels of many inflammatory mediators, a condition of chronic low-grade inflammation. When infected, the immune system can trigger an excessive inflammatory response like a cytokine storm, making them vulnerable to severe COVID-19.

Nutrition and immunity

The immune system is functioning at all times, but specific cells are activated by the presence of pathogens. Activation leads to a marked increase in the immune system’s demand for energy substrates, including fatty acids, glucose and amino acids.

Some nutrients, such as vitamins A and D, are direct regulators of gene expression in immune cells. They play an essential role in the maturation, differentiation and reactivity of immune cells.

Antioxidants also play a vital role in protecting the body against oxidative stress. Classic antioxidant vitamins include vitamins C and E, including antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase.

Therefore, keeping the body well nourished is essential to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Good nutrition provides an environment in which the immune system can respond quickly and appropriately to infection. During this time, a nutrient deficiency makes the body and the immune system unable to function properly.

In a nutshell, keeping the body nourished with vitamins and minerals is essential in the fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In some cases, even if a person is infected, the body’s immune system can easily fight off the pathogen, reducing the risk of developing serious illness.

Vitamin A, B6, folic acid, C, D and E, including trace minerals like zinc, copper, iron and selenium, have been shown to play a key role in supporting the system immune system and reducing the risk of infections.

“It would seem prudent for individuals to consume sufficient amounts of essential nutrients to support their immune system and help them cope with pathogens if they become infected,” the researchers explained.

“Consuming a varied and varied diet based on plants and animals that conforms to current guidelines for healthy eating would be preferable to support the immune system,” they encouraged.