1.
Nutrition, the digestive system and immunity in COVID-19 infection.
Bold, J, Harris, M, Fellows, L, Chouchane, M
Gastroenterology and hepatology from bed to bench. 2020;13(4):331-340
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Covid-19 needs both prevention and recovery strategies to reduce complications. This review study aimed to discuss the associations between nutrition, obesity, and the impact these have on stomach symptoms associated with Covid-19. Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for Covid-19 and this could be due to several factors such as impaired immune function, increased inflammation, increased susceptibility to infection and the high number of cells on fat tissue, which express the receptor known to allow Covid-19 into cells. The involvement of the gut microbiota of obese individuals was extensively reviewed and gut dysbiosis has been associated with many diseases, thus improving gut microbiota may go some way to improving Covid-19 outcomes. Nutritional interventions to reduce obesity need to be part of a multi-pronged strategy and the possible introduction of vitamin D supplements and probiotics. The paper did not draw any conclusions; however this paper could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the role of obesity in increasing the risk of Covid-19 infection, complications that may arise upon and after infection and nutritional strategies as part of a management plan.
Abstract
The current review aimed to synthesize the literature on the complex relationship between food consumption and nutritional status as well as the digestive system in order to examine the relationship between immunity and potential responses to COVID-19 infection. The goal is to help inform the many healthcare professionals working with COVID-19 patients. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. Hand searches were also undertaken using Google and reference lists to identify recent evidence. Studies were critically appraised, and the findings were analyzed by narrative synthesis. Nutritional status can impact immunity in several ways, including affecting susceptibility to infection, severity of disease, and recovery time, and is therefore a significant consideration in the management of COVID-19. COVID-19 can also impact digestive function, which can further impact nutritional status. The role of Vitamin D deficiency in vulnerability to severe respiratory infections, including COVID-19, has been recognized, and it may have a role in treatment where deficiency is indicated. Healthcare professionals should be aware that obesity may be accompanied by micronutrient malnutrition including vitamin D deficiency and alterations in the microbiome and inflammatory responses, which can further impact immunity and disease severity. Multidisciplinary team-work is recommended in the management of patients with COVID-19, and approaches should include a consideration of nutritional status (both macronutrients and micronutrients), body weight, and gastrointestinal signs and symptom.
2.
Changes of Physical Activity and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Adolescents from Different Countries during Covid-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study.
Ruíz-Roso, MB, de Carvalho Padilha, P, Matilla-Escalante, DC, Brun, P, Ulloa, N, Acevedo-Correa, D, Arantes Ferreira Peres, W, Martorell, M, Rangel Bousquet Carrilho, T, de Oliveira Cardoso, L, et al
Nutrients. 2020;12(8)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
As a result of global lockdowns due to Covid-19, activity and diets may have changed amongst many individuals especially with consumption of ultra-processed foods and physical activity. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine how diet and activity may have been impacted amongst adolescents from several countries in Europe and Latin America during the Covid-19 pandemic. The results showed that amongst the 726 adolescents studied physical inactivity increased from 73% to 79.5% and that Latin America was the hardest hit with an increased inactivity from 40.9% before to 93% during the pandemic and it was observed that living in Latin America was associated with habitually eating ultra-processed foods. It was concluded that Covid-19 lockdown worsened physical activity levels especially in Latin America and that ultra-processed food consumption was increased. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle during periods of social isolation.
Abstract
AIM: to describe physical activity and ultra-processed foods consumption, their changes and sociodemographic predictors among adolescents from countries in Europe (Italy and Spain) and Latin America (Brazil, Chile, and Colombia) during the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic period. METHODS Cross-sectional study via web survey. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and weekly ultra-processed food consumption data were used. To compare the frequencies of physical activity status with sociodemographic variables, a multinomial logistic and a multiple logistic regression for habitual ultra-processed foods was performed. In final models, p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Sample of 726 adolescents, mostly females (59.6%) aged 16-19 years old (54.3%). Adolescents from Latin America presented odds ratio (OR) 2.98 (CI 95% 1.80-4.94) of being inactive and those whose mothers had higher level of education were less active during lockdown [OR 0.40 (CI 95% 0.20-0.84)]. The habitual ultra-processed consumption was also high during this period in all countries, and more prevalent in Latin America. CONCLUSION A higher prevalence of inactivity was observed in this population, but reductions of physical activity and habitual ultra-processed consumption during the pandemic were more pronounced in Latin America. Our findings reinforce the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle, i.e., exercise and diet, during periods of social isolation.