COVID-۱۹ Pandemic: The Role of Nutrition in Strengthening the Immunity

Coronavirus is one of many viruses that can causesymptoms like pneumonia, lung infection, difficulty inbreathing, fever, etc. (۱). This virus is a sub-family of thecoronavirus family, which occurs as a large ribonucleicacid (RNA) virus that infects the human respiratory tract(۲). These viruses are fatal for those with immunocompromise,particularly elderly people. They are known to infecthumanairways from the luminal side, and progeny virusesare released from the same side. This makes it easier tospread through coughing and sneezing (۲).Immunity is a form of protection against infection orthe destructive effect of pathogens produced by specialcells (thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, and other specific immunecells) (۳-۵). The immune system is a general namefor the special structures within our body that protect usagainst harmful substances (۴). Normally, human coronavirusdoesn’t elicit a strong innate immune response inprimary target cells of the human respiratory track earlyduring infection. In respiratory epithelium, the innate immunesystem has a major protective role as the first line ofdefense against the respiratory pathogen (۲). Since still nospecific cure or vaccine is developed for coronavirus, enhancingimmunity through proper dieting should be theimmediately available defense for people, and the key tohaving a strong immunity is a healthy diet that helps meetingthe required essential nutrients (۱). The immune diet isnourishment on nutriment, which is beneficial for the immunesystem. Some of the immune diets include mineralssuch as zinc, selenium, iron, and vitamins like bit A, D, C,and so on, which are known for their antiviral propertieswhen the safe intake level is not exceeded (۱).

Keywords:

COVID-۱۹ , Pandemic , Immunity , Nutrition , Public Health