Nutraceuticals under evaluation for covid-19 prevention and treatment
Nutraceuticals with their immune boosting potential have shown promising result for the management and prevention of Covid-19. They have an advantage of negligible side effects when compared with other conventional drug therapies. This attracts consumers to lean on using nutraceuticals.1
They have been linked with antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities and prevention from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The main nutraceuticals that are under evaluation for their potential preventive and treatment applications include omega-3 fatty acid, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D and selenium.2
1. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acid (N-3 PUFA) :
The principal source of N-3 PUFA in the human diet comes from eating fresh fish, particularly oily fish, including mackerel, salmon, herring or cod.Several clinical trials are being conducted to investigate the most appropriate treatment for SARS-CoV-2. Due to its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and other various beneficial properties, omega-3 fatty acid is a natural, inexpensive, and could play a role as a healthier choice of supplement during this ongoing pandemic situation. Future larger randomized blinded clinical trials are warranted, and enough confirmatory results are required which could further shed light on this topic.6
2. Zinc :
Adequate intake of zinc has been associated with reduced occurrence of infections and antiviral immunity. It has a property to inhibit the replication of viruses and for the same reason it might be considered effective against replication of covid-19 virus as well.4
3. Vitamin C :
Vitamin C improves the immune system by reducing oxidative stress in the lungs and whole body. It prevents pneumonia and protects from other infections as well. In a new clinical trial vitamin C is under investigation as severe cases of Covid-19 have shown to cause pneumonia. As there is absence of specific drug against SARS-CoV-2, vitamin C may show a ray of hope to cure this severe viral respiratory tract infection.
4. Vitamin D :
Vitamin D, the sunlight vitamin has become a leading preventive measure and therapeutic nutraceuticals against covid-19. Studies have shown that vitamin D improve lung function in children suffering from bronchial problems and reduces the chances of infection in them.4 Vitamin D in active form (calcitriol) gets induced in respiratory pathway protecting it.1 Because of its potential modulating properties, vitamin D supplementation may be advantageous to maintain a healthy immune system. Although the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation against covid-19 remains open for debate.2
Selenium :
There are evidence suggesting that daily intake of supplementary selenium is beneficial in improving immunity against the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus due to its property of redox homeostasis and antioxidant properties against viral infections. 3
Nutraceuticals for boosting immunity in pregnant women :
During pregnancy, any infection or disease is a big risk for the mother and baby. It is vital that a mother strengthens her immunity in every way she can as the viral infections are able to reach the foetus by crossing the placenta having bad consequences on the baby. To improve maternal immunity,along with a well-balanced diet, certain nutraceuticals are also considered safe for consumption like calcium, iron, magnesium, iodine, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid and ginger. 5
Nutraceuticals for boosting immunity in children :
To boost your child’s immunity against Covid-19, it is important to breast feed the baby during its early days.Proper nutrition is an important factor to be considered. A few immunity boosting vitamins and nutraceuticals are available that are safe to use.
| Nutraceuticals | |
|---|---|
| Vitamin E | Has antioxidants and may support immune function |
| Vitamin A, D, B6, B12 | Boosts immune system |
| Proteins | Building blocks for child’s immune system, healing and recovery |
| Probiotics | Friendly bacteria that keeps the gut healthy |
| Zinc, selenium | Regulates immune system to function properly |
In a nutshell, many nutraceuticals are under evaluation for the treatment and prevention of Covid-19. Their positive results are attributed to their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant and immune boosting property. More clinical trials would help generate relevant efficacy and safety data that will support the claims of many nutraceuticals and help healthcare professionals in decision making. Clinical practitioners must be made aware of such alternative therapies for Covid-19.
References :
- Infusino, Fabio et al. “Diet Supplementation, Probiotics, and Nutraceuticals in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Scoping Review.” Nutrients vol. 12,6 1818. 8 Jun. 2020.
- Lordan R, Rando HM, Consortium CR, Greene CS. Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals Under Investigation for COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment. ArXiv [Preprint]. 2021 Feb 3:arXiv:2102.02250v1. PMID: 33564696; PMCID: PMC7872359.
- Users/user/Downloads/ijfn_1_2_6_PDF.pdf
- Parisi GF, Carota G, Castruccio Castracani C, Spampinato M, Manti S, Papale M, Di Rosa M, Barbagallo I, Leonardi S. Nutraceuticals in the Prevention of Viral Infections, including COVID-19, among the Pediatric Population: A Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Feb 28;22(5):2465.
- Pregnant woman should strengthen their immunity during covid-19; Dr. Anish Desai.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7779984/
