Nutrition planning during the COVID-19 pandemic for aging immunity

Authors

  • Pooja Polamarasetti
  • Danik Martirosyan PhD, Functional Food Institute, Dallas, San Diego

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31989/bchd.v3i7.733

Abstract

The disease COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, disproportionately targets individuals with aging or otherwise dysfunctional immunity. Since nutrition is shown to have a massive effect on the immune system—and other body systems that can both improve protection and ability to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus—we conducted a literature review of nutrition recommendations and their antiviral effects in older adult populations. Certain bioactive compounds and functional foods have been shown in the past to improve the body’s immune function and prevent viral infection. We organize our recommendations by food groups, as delineated by the MyPlate nutritional program, to create guidelines for senior citizens, public health experts, nutritionists, caretakers, and nursing homes. We hope this research will assist in improving the age disparity in vulnerability to the disease COVID-19 during the pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, infection, pandemic, deficiency, health, nutrition, immunity, diet, elderly, aging, senior citizens

Published

2020-07-31

Issue

Section

Review Articles