SARS-CoV-2 is a relatively new coronavirus that emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Hence, there are no long-term RCTs available investigating the effects of micronutrients to prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2.
However, there are a lot of hypotheses[1][2][3] based on in vitro data and/or study results from different viral infections outlining the potential mechanisms of micronutrients in COVID-19 and often recommend supplementation, especially for older people and people with deficiencies. In these studies, the authors often claim that the protective effects of micronutrients could be used for COVID-19. However, extrapolating from colds to COVID-19 is speculative and potentially dangerous. A position statement by the International Society For Immunonutrition also recommends increasing the intake of micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, and zinc). However, they make a crucial distinction and disclaimer, by stating, “There is no specific evidence these nutritional measures can help protect against or even lessen the effects of COVID-19 infection.”
In summary, it’s clear that a diverse and well-balanced diet covering all essential micronutrients in adequate amounts (but not exceeding RDAs) supports and strengthens the immune system. Whether this is helpful for preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 remains to be researched in RCTs.
References
- ^Juliana Arruda de Souza Monnerat, Pedro Ribeiro de Souza, Letícia Monteiro da Fonseca Cardoso, João Dario Mattos, Gabrielle de Souza Rocha, Renata Frauches MedeirosMicronutrients and bioactive compounds in the immunological pathways related to SARS-CoV-2 (adults and elderly)Eur J Nutr.(2021 Mar)
- ^Ana Heloneida de Araújo Morais, Jailane de Souza Aquino, Juliana Kelly da Silva-Maia, Sancha Helena de Lima Vale, Bruna Leal Lima Maciel, Thaís Sousa PassosNutritional status, diet and viral respiratory infections: perspectives for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2Br J Nutr.(2021 Apr 28)
- ^Amin Gasmi, Torsak Tippairote, Pavan Kumar Mujawdiya, Massimiliano Peana, Alain Menzel, Maryam Dadar, Asma Gasmi Benahmed, Geir BjørklundMicronutrients as immunomodulatory tools for COVID-19 managementClin Immunol.(2020 Nov)