Nutrition amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-level framework for action.

European journal of clinical nutrition. 2020;74(8):1117-1121

Plain language summary

This Lebanese articled provides a commentary on the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and aims to give a framework for Nutritional action to help the physical and mental health of individuals, communities, and nations. At an individual level the focus is on the link between diet and immunity and the profound effect diet has on people’s immune system and disease susceptibility. An adequate intake of iron, zinc, and vitamins A, E, B6, and B12 is predominantly vital for the maintenance of immune function. Individuals should aim to eat as healthily as possible, including a wide range of fruits and vegetables, limit snacking, take regular exercise and get an adequate amount of sleep to support their health. Single foods promising cures or prevention of infection are unfounded claims which can give a false sense of security. The focus for communities is on food availability, for nations its food security and on a global level it is about food trade agreements. Its important to protect against hoarding and panic buying to ensure enough food for everyone. National economic instability during COVID-19 can lead to a risk of food security so governments are advised to support local agricultural produce and reduce their reliance on imported goods. Global supply chains and agreements need to be respected to lessen the impact further down the supply chain. The health of each individual has a direct impact on the community and nation and is a direct consequence of their dietary awareness and choices.

Lifestyle medicine

Fundamental Clinical Imbalances : Digestive, absorptive and microbiological
Patient Centred Factors : Mediators/Covid-19/nutrition
Environmental Inputs : Diet ; Nutrients ; Physical exercise
Personal Lifestyle Factors : Not applicable
Functional Laboratory Testing : Not applicable
Bioactive Substances : Vitamin A ; Vitamin E ; Vitamin B6 ; Vitamin B12 ; Iron ; Zinc

Methodological quality

Allocation concealment : Not applicable
Publication Type : Journal Article ; Review

Metadata

Nutrition Evidence keywords : Nutrition ; Covid-19