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Dear Colleagues and Friends,
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) can lead to serious clinical consequences, in many cases requiring hospitalization in an intensive care unit. SARS-COV-2 infection is particularly dangerous for elderly patients and patients with comorbidities who are at higher risk of death. Within the context of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic the importance of a balanced diet is increasingly important. The effects of diet were studied in a recent review, which included 20 articles focusing on the effects of various nutritional interventions in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of these studies, six focused on the effects of a nutritional intervention for patients with active SARS-CoV2 infection, whereas the remaining 14 sought to elucidate the beneficial effects exerted by the Mediterranean-type diet, in conjunction with micronutrient and vitamin supplementation. The authors concluded that the Mediterranean diet is a nutrient-dense dietary pattern and, therefore, potentially beneficial for the prevention and prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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In addition, another review emphasizes the importance of adequate eating habits that provide adequate amounts of antioxidants in order to boost immune system activity. This has become increasingly relevant during the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, because viral infections are characterized by high oxidative stress. Of interest, this review summarized the micronutrient intake of various dietary patterns including: an American diet, Atlantic diet and the well known Mediterranean Diet (MD). In comparison with the other patterns, the MD excels as a healthy dietary pattern which includes adequate concentrations of most antioxidants with the exception of vitamin D; it must be noted that this vitamin can also be synthesized after solar exposure. Although the Atlantic diet and the American diet may surpass the MD in their content of certain antioxidant compounds, these dietary patterns did not fulfill all requirements. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors conclude it is of particular importance to consume adequate amounts of antioxidants through foods and healthy dietary patterns. This statement is particularly emphasized to patients at higher risk or currently suffering an active infection.
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