Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals in COVID-19

If you are looking for treatment for COVID-19, some supplements and nutraceuticals have potential prophylactic and therapeutic benefits.

  • n-3 PUFA:

The n-3 PUFAs, often known as omega-3 fatty acids, which comprise eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are one class of supplements that have been investigated for potential benefits against a variety of viral infections.

Consumption of EPA and DHA can be obtained by eating fish or by taking fish oil supplements. Alternatively, more enduring sources of DHA and EPA comprise algae.

  • Vitamin C:

It has also been proposed that vitamin supplements B, C, D, and E could be used as COVID-19 dietary supplement therapies.

Because vitamin C has a long history of usage against respiratory infections, including the common cold, it's also suggested as a therapeutic agent against COVID-19.

It can be taken as a supplement or through food items like fruits and vegetables. Because of its actions on different immune cells, vitamin C is important for enhancing immunological function.[ref]

  • Zinc:

One dietary supplement that may help prevent RNA virus infections is zinc. Zinc is a trace metal that can be consumed or supplemented and is necessary for the upkeep of immune cells that are engaged in both innate and adaptive immunity.

Zinc supplements can be taken orally. It can be obtained from food rich in zinc such as meat, fish, nuts, seeds, dairy, and legumes.

  • Vitamin D:

As a significant preventive and therapeutic option against SARA-CoV-2, vitamin D has emerged.

Vitamin D can regulate the innate and adaptive immune systems and is linked with various aspects of immune function and antiviral defense.

Vitamin D is obtained from diet or supplements, but the body mostly produces it through biosynthesis when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

  • Probiotics:

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.

It may help in preventing common viral infections, according to some research, there is some indication that they may modify the immune system.

Consequently, it has been suggested that probiotics might be useful as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2. [ref]

Types of Diet Preferred in COVID-19:

Diet is one of the major factors that are involved not only in the maintenance of health but also somehow correlates with the prevention and treatment of diseases. Some diets have influence on COVID-19.

  • Mediterranean and Plant-based diet:

It is suggested that the plant-based or Mediterranean diet helps develop a healthy immune system to prevent COVID-19.

  1. High-fiber diet:

A high-fiber diet is another strategy to prevent and treat the incidence of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, as a high-fiber diet helps maintain a healthy GIT and a gut microbiome that makes a healthy immune system.

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables:

The use of fresh fruits and vegetables is also preferred in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 as many fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant contents that have a great influence in improving the immune system function. [ref].

How to prevent pregnant women from SARS-CoV-2?

Pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 have a greater incidence of severe illness and stillbirths than infected women who are not pregnant. Newborns born to infected women are at risk for adverse health outcomes.

Because of the inconsistent findings from several global investigators, prenatal steroids and magnesium sulfate were advised to guard against perinatal COVID-19 and hydroxychloroquine was given to improve safety record. [ref]

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