Abstract
COVID-19, resulting from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a major pandemic that the world is fighting. SARS-CoV-2 primarily causes lung infection by attaching to the ACE2 receptor on the alveolar epithelial cells. However, the ACE2 receptor is also present in intestinal epithelial cells, suggesting a link between nutrition, virulence and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Respiratory viral infections perturb the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota is shaped by our diet; therefore, a healthy gut is important for optimal metabolism, immunology and protection of the host. Malnutrition causes diverse changes in the immune system by repressing immune responses and enhancing viral vulnerability. Thus, improving gut health with a high-quality, nutrient-filled diet will improve immunity against infections and diseases. This review emphasizes the significance of dietary choices and its subsequent effects on the immune system, which may potentially impact SARS-CoV-2 vulnerability.
Highlights
Since its outbreak in China, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has dramatically disseminated throughout the world
Sugar rich and high fibre diets impose a negative outcome on immune responses, diets rich in fruit, vegetables, fermented foodstuff, vitamins and probiotics are beneficial for efficient immune function against viral infections
Taking these findings into consideration, we propose that diet could be a key target in the combat and prevention against COVID-19 infections
Summary
Since its outbreak in China, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has dramatically disseminated throughout the world. This highly pathogenic positive-sense RNA virus consists of structural proteins, namely spike, membrane, nucleocapsid and envelope proteins [1,2]. The consumption of monotonous diets, abundant in highly processed foods, renders inadequate vitamins and minerals to the host, weakening the immune system and enhancing SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility [10]. This review outlines existing literature on the effects of various diets and nutrient consumption on the immune responses to viral pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 infection
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