Researchers from the United Kingdom revealed the importance and role of immune nutrition in influencing the immune system of those over 65 years of age in patients with Corona and according to their study published entitled Is there a role for immune nutrition, especially for those over 65 years? BMJ Nutrition and Prevention and HealthPublic health strategies to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus include social distancing, prevention of gatherings, wearing masks and hand hygiene, and the researchers wrote that the focus was not on the immune system and foods that could help boost the immune system.
This review attempted to collect the current evidence in favor of immune nutrition or nutrition and the diet that helps strengthen the immune system, especially among the elderly who are more susceptible to corona infection and its complications.
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Nutrition and disease
The researchers said, there is ample evidence that protein and energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamins and minerals are part of “related lifestyle factors”, which can contribute to suboptimal immune system functioning.
The researchers wrote that some components of the diet, including fruit, vitamin C, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, are described as an immune nourishment that can help boost immunity and have a potential role in “fighting viruses and respiratory diseases.”
Corona and the immune system
At present, there are no safe and effective treatments against this virus nor vaccines to prevent infection, and the virus may lead, in some at-risk individuals, especially the elderly, to atypical viral pneumonia, and some may even need oxygen, artificial ventilation and intensive care unit care.
Elderly people who suffer from other health problems such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, etc., may be more likely to develop complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).ARDS), Which leads to the failure of many organs and even death.
The immune system is made up of four components – T cells, B cells, the supplementary system, and macrophages. There are two arms of the immune system – innate and adaptive immunity, and these protect the body from infections, and healthy diet and nutrition play a role in boosting the immune system.
Immune nutrition and corona virus
Among the most important findings of the research in the scientific literature carried out by researchers:
That a healthy immune system requires vitamins A And D And C And E And B6 And B12 And folic acid, copper, iron, zinc and selenium., Here is an interaction between these nutrients in a healthy immune system.
The immune nutrient of great importance is vitamin C And D And zinc.
Vitamin C aids in the development of the epithelial barrier functions of the respiratory system that prevent pathogen invasion, and it may help prevent pneumonia.
Vitamin D is a powerful immune system: lymphocytes B And T , Macrophages, and monocytes are some immune cells that have vitamin D receptors on their surface. Vitamin D has a protective role in respiratory infections
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