Mediterranean Diet: A Nutritional Suggestion for Long Covid Management Strategies – A Literature Review

Abstract

Long COVID (LC) refers to continuing conditions following acute COVID-19 infection, lasting for weeks to months. It affects a wide range of people's lives, including physical, physiological, and social-economic aspects. Hence, leads to lowering quality of life and other future health challenges worldwide. Health problems following the acute phase of COVID-19 may persist or appear for days to months after the acute infection is resolved. The phenotype of long COVID-19 commonly manifests as a collection of symptoms such as muscle weakness, neuro-cognitive alteration, and respiratory disturbances. Mechanisms underpinning long COVID-19 are still not fully understood. It is hypothesized that inflammation plays a crucial role in LC development through several complex pathways. Recently, effective treatments for long COVID-19 have not been established. Its management depends on the patient's symptoms and needs. Nutritional modulation and physical rehabilitation are advised for long-COVID-19 improvement and increased quality of life. The Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) has been acknowledged for its impact on health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Bioactive compounds in Med-diet have been widely studied to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in cells. Adherence to Med-diet food intake is linked to a lower incidence of obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disease. Therefore, the potential effect of Med-diet as a nutritional approach for long-COVID-19 treatment and prevention will be summarized.