Abstract
The numerous consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in healthy young people and the lack of clarity as to the long-term disease outcomes have spurred the search for risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed to evaluate the associations of nutritional behaviors, gut microbiota, and physical activity with the risk of COVID-19 in healthy young nonobese people. Data on body composition, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, dietary intake, and gut microbiota were obtained from 95 adults (mean age, 34.66 ± 5.76 years). A balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruit, including nuts, wholegrain cereal products, and legumes, covers the need for vitamins and minerals. Such a diet can be an effective measure to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in nonobese healthy physically active young people with normal immune function. People with balanced diet and an average daily consumption of >500 g of vegetables and fruit and >10 g of nuts had an 86% lower risk of COVID-19 compared with those whose diet was not balanced and who consumed lower amounts of these products. It is well documented that proper nutrition, physical activity, and maintenance of normal weight facilitate good health by ensuring optimal immune function. The beneficial effects of these interventions should be strongly emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease it causes, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have changed the world since the beginning of 2020
A proper diet rich in vegetables and fruit, as well as nuts, wholegrain cereal products, and legumes, covers the need for vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive substances. It can be an effective measure in reducing the risk of COVID-19 in healthy physically active young people without obesity and with optimal immune function
Our study revealed no differences in physical activity levels or gut microbiota composition between people who contracted COVID-19 and those who did not
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease it causes, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have changed the world since the beginning of 2020. In March 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention presented a report on COVID-19 morbidity, including the age group of 20–44 years [1,2]. While young adults typically show a less severe course of the disease compared with older people, they develop symptoms, especially in the long term. In the COVID Symptom Study [5], 13% of patients with COVID-19 (mean age, 43 years) experienced symptoms for more than 28 days. These symptoms may include headache, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, cough, muscle pain, cognitive disturbances, and low-grade fever [4,5,6]. Young people usually have a mild disease, they suffer the consequences of quarantine and isolation
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