Abstract
COVID-19 is a viral infectious disease caused by SARS-COV2. Its clinical signs and symptoms are on a broad spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to severe complications like multi-organ failure, thromboembolism, and severe pneumonia with respiratory failure. Worse outcomes and higher mortality rates have been reported in the elderly, people with co-morbidities, and malnourished individuals. Nutrition is fundamental to good health and immune function. It forms an integral component of treatment modalities for various acute and chronic diseases, especially where a causative treatment is not yet recognized. Taking into consideration the magnitude of demands this pandemic has posed on hospital resources, an orderly assessment of nutritional status and body composition may not be possible for critically ill and/or for patients with mild-moderate symptoms who are managing their illness at home. Adequate intake of various macro and micro-nutrients--energy, protein, fat, vitamins--A, B, C, D, E and minerals--iron, selenium, zinc, and copper, along with supportive health practices like hydration, meal consistency, frequency of meal consumption and physical activity, often ameliorate respiratory infections, in part by modulating the immune response. Though at present there is a lack of well-defined nutrition-based guidelines for COVID-19 patient care, this paper brings forward the existing relevant evidence base for caregivers and patients to use as a reference/guide.
Highlights
A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), causing serious respiratory illness like pneumonia and lung failure was first reported in Wuhan city, China at the end of 2019
Based on the existing literature, we aim to provide guidance/references for macro and micro-nutrient intake, hydration, meal frequency and consistency, flavorings and physical activity for patients and caregivers to use as a guide
The current pandemic has over stressed the healthcare system in taking care of the more severe cases of individuals with COVID-19 honing the focus to urgent clinical attention with an oversight on nutritional care
Summary
A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), causing serious respiratory illness like pneumonia and lung failure was first reported in Wuhan city, China at the end of 2019. It rapidly spread resulting in a global pandemic. Targeted inhibition of specific features of the immune response without compromising the assistance of host defense remains a challenge (Li et al, 2020) This implies that mortality rates are determined by the extent to which the immune response is tolerated by the body. Administration of probiotic organisms are known to enhance the innate immunity more than the acquired immunity These exogenous organisms act by creating a physical barrier against pathogens and generating metabolic end products like lactic acid that hinders the growth of pathogens (Thomas et al, 2010). It is possible that these effects can have an impact on COVID-19
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