Micronutrients in halal foods associated with improvement of the immune system against coronavirus

Background and objective:The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has threatened human health and economy across the world. In the absence of efficient medication for the virus, healthy diet can increase the body strength and alleviate symptoms of the viral infection. There are nutrients that may have beneficial effects against coronavirus. At this review, we discuss about the immune system modulation followed by intake of some nutrients found in halal foods that may be effective to attenuate the viral infections such as COVID-19. Results and conclusion: The origin of COVID-19 (meat of bat eaten by Chinese) approves that recommendations of Islam on Halal foods, which emphasizes the health and hygiene, should be addressed throughout the world. Several studies revealed that diet could affect the immune system. Some nutrients are anti-inflammatory and change the tight junctions in tissues. The antiviral food components may be useful in alleviation of COVID‐19 infection. Therefore, keeping the micronutrients’ balance might enhance the host response against viral infections. There is a global consensus that nutritional deficiency should be treated to reduce infections and a healthy halal diet consisting of special components like α‐Lipoic acid, phytoestrogens, flavonoids, licorice root and black tea may be useful for improving the immune responses.

Keywords:

Coronavirus , COVID‐19 , Halal , Health , immune system , nutritional interventions