Nutrition is an important for a healthy immune system

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OPTIMAL NUTRITIONAL STATUS FOR A WELL-FUNCTIONING IMMUNE SYSTEM IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR TO PROTECT AGAINST VIRAL INFECTIONS

A study reported in the Journal Nutrients, 2020 reported the following abstract.

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Public health practices including hand washing and vaccinations help reduce the spread and impact of infections. Nevertheless, the global burden of infection is high, and additional measures are necessary. Acute respiratory tract infections, for example, were responsible for approximately 2.38 million deaths worldwide in 2016. The role nutrition plays in supporting the immune system is well-established. A wealth of mechanistic and clinical data show that vitamins, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate; trace elements, including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, and copper; and the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid play important and complementary roles in supporting the immune system. Inadequate intake and status of these nutrients are widespread, leading to a decrease in resistance to infections and as a consequence an increase in disease burden(1)(2)

supplementation with the above micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids is a safe, effective, and low-cost strategy to help support optimal immune function;

supplementation above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but within recommended upper safety limits, for specific nutrients such as vitamins C and D is warranted; and (3) public health officials are encouraged to include nutritional strategies in their recommendations to improve public health.

IMPORTANT social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks is proven to help protect against viral infections and is therefore as must. If you have any symptoms get tested and isolate yourself from others.

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(1) Philip C. Calder, Anitra C. Carr. Et al. Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections. Nutrients 2020, 12(4), 1181

(2) World Health Organization Influenza (Seasonal). Available online: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal) (accessed on 2 March 2020).

(3) Troeger, C.; Blacker, B.; Khalil; et al. Estimates of the global, regional, and national morbidity, mortality, and aetiologies of lower respiratory infections in 195 countries, 1990–2016: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Lancet Infect. Dis. 2018, 18, 1191–1210.

For the full paper https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/1181/htm