Association between micronutrient deficiency and acute respiratory infections in healthy adults: a systematic review of observational studies

Assessment of serum vitamin D levels in children aged 0-17 years old in a Chinese population: a comprehensive study

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency pose global public health challenges, yet research on serum vitamin D levels in the 0-17-year-old age group in southeastern China remains limited. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating serum 25(OH)D levels in children in the region aged 0-17 years, contributing crucial data for understanding vitamin D nutritional status. Liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS) technology was used. Vitamin D testing was integrated into routine diagnostic procedures for 11,116 children in Wujiang District, Suzhou City. Among the 0-17-year age group, comprising 6348 boys and 4768 girls, the prevalence of serum 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency was 21.4% and 31.0%, respectively. The median serum 25(OH)D concentration was 29.72 ng/mL (21.84-39.84 ng/mL) in boys compared to 28.48 ng/mL (20.65-39.23 ng/mL) in girls. Seasonal variations were observed, with median serum 25(OH)D concentrations of 29.02 ng/mL (20.73-39.72 ng/mL) in spring, 28.79 ng/mL (21.53-39.37 ng/mL) in summer, 30.12 ng/mL (22.00-39.70 ng/mL) in autumn, and 28.58 ng/mL (19.97-39.46 ng/mL) in winter. Statistically significant differences were noted in the serum 25(OH)D levels during autumn and winter. In conclusion, the rate of adequate vitamin D levels in local children was 47.5%, revealing a relatively high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (21.4%) and insufficiency (31.0%), especially during the post-preschool period. Advocating for vitamin D supplementation in children is crucial for ensuring adequate vitamin D support.

Vitamin D supplementation for prevention of acute respiratory infections in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) have a substantial impact on morbidity, healthcare utilization, and functional decline among older adults. Therefore, we systematically reviewed evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation in preventing ARIs in older adults.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched until 1 February 2024. RCTs evaluating the use of vitamin D supplements to protect older adults from ARIs were included. Two reviewers independently screened papers, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. Data were summarised as relative risks (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Random effects meta-analyses were used to synthesise the results. GRADE was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. All the analysis were performed with Stata version 17.

RESULTS

Twelve trials (41552 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. It showed that vitamin D supplementation probably does not reduce the incidence of ARIs (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97-1.02, I2 = 0%; moderate certainty). No significant effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of ARI was observed for any of the subgroups defined by baseline 25(OH)D concentration, control treatments, dose frequency, study duration, and participants' condition. However, there was a possibility, although not statistically significant, that vitamin D may reduce the risk of ARI in patients with a baseline 25(OH)D concentration <50 nmol/L (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.79-1.04, I2 = 14.7%). Additionally, vitamin D supplements might result in little to no difference in death due to any cause, any adverse event, hypercalcinemia, and kidney stones.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D supplementation among older adults probably results in little to no difference in the incidence of ARIs. However, further evidence is needed, particularly for individuals with vitamin D deficiency and populations residing in low and middle income countries.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023451265).

Macronutrient and Micronutrient Intake in Children with Lung Disease

This review article aims to summarize the literature findings regarding the role of micronutrients in children with lung disease. The nutritional and respiratory statuses of critically ill children are interrelated, and malnutrition is commonly associated with respiratory failure. The most recent nutrition support guidelines for critically ill children have recommended an adequate macronutrient intake in the first week of admission due to its association with good outcomes. In children with lung disease, it is important not to exceed the proportion of carbohydrates in the diet to avoid increased carbon dioxide production and increased work of breathing, which potentially could delay the weaning of the ventilator. Indirect calorimetry can guide the process of estimating adequate caloric intake and adjusting the proportion of carbohydrates in the diet based on the results of the respiratory quotient. Micronutrients, including vitamins, trace elements, and others, have been shown to play a role in the structure and function of the immune system, antioxidant properties, and the production of antimicrobial proteins supporting the defense mechanisms against infections. Sufficient levels of micronutrients and adequate supplementation have been associated with better outcomes in children with lung diseases, including pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, asthma, bronchiolitis, and acute respiratory failure.

Bee Pollen as Functional Food: Insights into Its Composition and Therapeutic Properties

Bee pollen is a hive product made up of flower pollen grains, nectar, and bee salivary secretions that beekeepers can collect without damaging the hive. Bee pollen, also called bee-collected pollen, contains a wide range of nutritious elements, including proteins, carbs, lipids, and dietary fibers, as well as bioactive micronutrients including vitamins, minerals, phenolic, and volatile compounds. Because of this composition of high quality, this product has been gaining prominence as a functional food, and studies have been conducted to show and establish its therapeutic potential for medical and food applications. In this context, this work aimed to provide a meticulous summary of the most relevant data about bee pollen, its composition—especially the phenolic compounds—and its biological and/or therapeutic properties as well as the involved molecular pathways.

Dietary inadequacies overestimate the blood deficiencies of magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and D among residents of Sao Paulo

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We aimed to estimate the prevalence of the inadequate intake and status of magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E, and D and identify factors associated with micronutrient deficiency in serum/plasma among residents of São Paulo, Brazil.

METHODS

Data from 824 individuals aged ≥14 years were obtained from the 2015 ISA-Nutrition, a population-based, cross-sectional survey. Dietary and supplement intakes were assessed using two 24-h dietary recalls, and the micronutrient inadequacies were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Micronutrient status was measured in serum or plasma, and deficiency was established according to the lower limit of the reference values. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify the effect of intake on the micronutrient status in serum/plasma. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the association between micronutrient status and individual characteristics.

RESULTS

More than 80% of the population had an inadequate dietary intake of magnesium, vitamin E, and vitamin D. Males had a high prevalence of inadequate dietary intake of vitamin A and zinc. A high-to-moderate prevalence of inadequate vitamin C intake was observed. Vitamin D was the only nutrient with a deficient status comparable to its dietary inadequacy. The other nutrients demonstrated a lower deficiency prevalence compared to dietary inadequacy, and vitamin A demonstrated the lowest prevalence of deficiency in plasma. Generally, dietary intake showed a non-notable association with micronutrient deficiency in serum/plasma. Individuals with fasting glucose concentrations ≥100 mg/dL and those using diuretic drugs had a higher risk of serum magnesium deficiency. Those using lipid-lowering drugs and those with high plasma adiponectin concentrations had a higher risk of serum zinc deficiency. Individuals who smoked and those with hypertension showed a higher risk of plasma vitamin C deficiency. Individuals with average leptin concentrations had a higher risk of plasma vitamin E deficiency. Finally, those with sufficient leisure-time physical activity had a lower risk of serum vitamin D deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Residents of the urban areas of São Paulo demonstrated substantially inadequate intakes of most of the assessed micronutrients; however, micronutrient deficiency in serum/plasma was not associated with dietary inadequacy, and it usually demonstrated a lower prevalence than dietary indicators. Thus, using micronutrient intake to determine the serum/plasma profile should be done with caution. The status of the micronutrients varied according to individual characteristics, indicating the interplay of complex mechanisms underlying micronutrient balance.

Knowledge and behaviors of using vitamin D to boost immunity against COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has globally impacted all aspects of life since its emergence and spread. There is a strong biological assumption and progressing epidemiological data supporting the role of vitamin D (VD) in COVID-19 infection. This study aims to determine the knowledge about VD supplements to boost immunity against COVID-19 and if participation in specific behaviors has increased the consumption of VD supplements during social distance restriction in Saudi Arabia (SA) in May 2021. This cross-sectional study used a structured online questionnaire for 2369 SA people, including demographic characteristics and knowledge about VD supplements to boost immunity against COVID-19 showed that there was a significant association between sex and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) (P = .000), and having VDD was strongly associated with having another vitamin deficiency (P = .008). Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference between VDD and cardiovascular (P = .027) and respiratory diseases (P = .019). Almost half of the participants used VD supplements to reduce or heal their COVID-19 symptoms. The adverse association between having VDD and understanding of COVID-19 symptoms was statistically significant (P = .01). Ginger is commonly used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of VD. The administration of VD is now known to be of physiological significance for general health, and evidence suggesting the beneficial role of VD in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases, particularly infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, is increasing.

Perfluoroalkyl substances and lipid concentrations in the blood: A systematic review of epidemiological studies

BACKGROUND

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used synthetic aliphatic compounds. This systematic review aims to assess PFAS associations with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG) concentrations in human populations.

METHOD

We systematically searched four online databases, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant peer-reviewed English language articles published until July 2021. Additional relevant articles identified were also included in the search results. We categorised populations into adults (≥18 years old) and children. Primary findings were the associations between PFAS concentrations and LDL, HDL, TC, and TG concentrations in the serum, plasma, or whole blood; secondary findings were the associations between PFAS concentrations and the odds of lipid-related health outcomes. Quantitative synthesis was done by vote counting of the effect directions between concentrations of PFAS and lipids/health outcomes, repeated on articles with sample size >1000. Sign tests were performed to assess the statistical significance of the differences between positive and negative associations. Sensitivity analysis was performed by separating out articles with populations having high concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Quality was assessed with the STROBE checklist and NHBLI Study Quality Assessment Tool.

RESULTS

A total of 58 articles were included for review. There was evidence that PFAS exposure is associated with higher concentrations of LDL, HDL, and TC, particularly for PFOA-LDL, PFOA-TC, PFOS-TC, and PFNA-LDL. Associations between PFAS and TG tended to be negative, especially for perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA). Associations between PFAS concentration and the odds of secondary outcomes generally supported a positive association between PFAS and cholesterol concentrations.

CONCLUSION

We found evidence of associations between the concentrations of some PFAS-lipid pairs in human populations. Future research should be conducted on the less well-studied PFAS to explore their effects on human health and in regions where such studies are currently lacking. (300 words).

Major dietary patterns in relation to disease severity, symptoms, and inflammatory markers in patients recovered from COVID-19

Background

COVID-19 is a highly transmissible viral infection with high morbidity. Few studies have been done about dietary intakes in patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the association between major dietary patterns before COVID-19 diagnosis in recovered patients and the risk of disease severity and symptoms after the disease begins.

Methods

Overall, 250 recovered cases with both genders completed study questionnaires providing data on demographic characteristics, self-reported web-based 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and COVID-19 outcomes in Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan. PCR was used to determine a positive diagnosis of COVID-19. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess the association between major dietary patterns and study outcomes. All statistical analyses were done by SPSS version 16.

Results

We identified three major dietary patterns—unhealthy, traditional, and healthy dietary patterns. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were significantly higher in patients with unhealthy and traditional dietary patterns and lower in those with healthy dietary patterns. There was a significant direct relationship between unhealthy and traditional patterns with risk of severe COVID-19 and hospitalization duration and a significant direct association between an unhealthy pattern and the odds ratio (OR) of convalescence duration. A significant inverse relationship was found between healthy pattern and risk of severe COVID-19 and OR of convalescence duration. We found a significant direct association between unhealthy pattern and OR of cough, fever, chilling, weakness, myalgia, nausea and vomiting, and sore throat and between traditional pattern and OR of cough, fever, and chilling. In contrast, a significant inverse association was seen between healthy pattern and OR of dyspnea, weakness, and sore throat.

Conclusion

This study showed that high adherence to an healthy pattern was associated with lower CRP and ESR levels and lower risk of severe COVID-19, hospitalization, and convalescence duration in patients who recovered from COVID-19. More adherence to unhealthy or traditional dietary patterns was associated with higher CRP and ESR levels and a higher risk of severe COVID-19 and hospitalization duration. A direct association was found between unhealthy and traditional patterns and the risk of some COVID-19 symptoms, while an inverse association was found for a healthy dietary pattern.

Vitamin D3 in acute respiratory infections in patients under five years old (Cartagena de Indias, Colombia)

Background and Aim. Low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 are associated with an increased risk of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) that is among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old. We describe the clinical behavior of acute respiratory infections in patients under five years ago in one sanitary institution in Colombia after VD3 supplementation. Material and Methods. A case series was conducted on 38 patients of both genders aged less to 5 years ago was included. Participants were supplied 50,000 units of VD3 orally each month for three months. The number of events, consultations for emergency services, and hospitalization due to acute respiratory infections (ARIs) before and after VD3 administration were described. Results. The average age of the participants was 25.81 ± 17.50 months. The average clinical ARIs per month was 4.02 (95% CI 3.64-4.40) before VD3 administration. Fewer episodes at the end of the three cycles was found at 2.23/month (95% CI 1.81-2.65; p=0.0230). The average consultations for emergency services during the three months before VD3 administration was 2.15 (95% CI 1.77-2.53). After three months of treatment, the average use of emergency services decreased to 0.52 (95% CI 0.37-0.72; p=0.0180). After the administration of the three doses of VD3, only one patient required hospitalization (2.63%; : 0.026 (IC95% 0.02-0.03; p=0.0368)). Conclusions. The administration of vitamin D3 could have a benefit in decreasing the number of episodes, emergencies, and hospitalization for ARI in children under five years old. Trial studies are required to determine this potential benefit.

Changing of Balanced Nutrition Behavior and the Immune System during the New Normal Era of COVID-19 in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

LATAR BELAKANG : Kasus COVID-19 di Indonesia mengalami peningkatan selama era New Normal COVID-19. Selain menerapkan protokol kesehatan, gizi seimbang untuk mendukung daya tahan tubuh sangat penting untuk mencegah dampak lanjutan dari kontraksi COVID-19. TUJUAN: Penelitian ini mengidentifikasi pola perilaku gizi seimbang sebelum dan selama penerapan konsep New Normal di Sulawesi Selatan.  METODE : Survei potong lintang terhadap penduduk berusia 15 tahun ke atas yang tinggal di Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan dilakukan pada bulan November hingga Desember 2021 dengan menggunakan kuesioner online. Survei dilakukan melalui WhatsApp dengan menyebarkan tautan kuesioner. Pengolahan dan analisis data dilakukan dengan software SPSS v.16.0. Perbedaan pola gizi seimbang sebelum dan selama era New Normal dianalisis menggunakan uji Wilcoxon Signed-Rank dengan taraf signifikansi 0,05.   HASIL : Kajian menunjukkan bahwa pola konsumsi masyarakat menurun secara signifikan selama penerapan konsep New Normal, terutama komposisi makanan (p=0,000), makanan hewani (p=0,000), sayuran (p=0,000), buah (p=0,000), dan susu (p=0,000).  KESIMPULAN : Penerapan perilaku New Normal menurunkan kesadaran masyarakat dalam mengkonsumsi gizi seimbang di Sulawesi Selatan. Dengan demikian mungkin berkontribusi pada penurunan sistem kekebalan tubuh.

The association between vitamin D status and COVID-19 in England: A cohort study using UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

Recent studies indicate that vitamin D supplementation may decrease respiratory tract infections, but the association between vitamin D and COVID-19 is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between vitamin D status and infections, hospitalisation, and mortality due to COVID-19.

METHODS

We used UK Biobank, a nationwide cohort of 500,000 individuals aged between 40 and 69 years at recruitment between 2006 and 2010. We included people with at least one serum vitamin D test, living in England with linked primary care and inpatient records. The primary exposure was serum vitamin D status measured at recruitment, defined as deficiency at <25 nmol/L, insufficiency at 25-49 nmol/L and sufficiency at ≥ 50 nmol/L. Secondary exposures were self-reported or prescribed vitamin D supplements. The primary outcome was laboratory-confirmed or clinically diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infections. The secondary outcomes included hospitalisation and mortality due to COVID-19. We used multivariable Cox regression models stratified by summertime months and non-summertime months, adjusting for demographic factors and underlying comorbidities.

RESULTS

We included 307,512 participants (54.9% female, 55.9% over 70 years old) in our analysis. During summertime months, weak evidence existed that the vitamin D deficiency group had a lower hazard of being diagnosed with COVID-19 (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77-0.95). During non-summertime, the vitamin D deficiency group had a higher hazard of COVID-19 compared with the vitamin D sufficient group (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.01-1.30). No evidence was found that vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency was associated with either hospitalisation or mortality due to COVID-19 in any time strata.

CONCLUSION

We found no evidence of an association between historical vitamin D status and hospitalisation or mortality due to COVID-19, along with inconsistent results for any association between vitamin D and diagnosis of COVID-19. However, studies using more recent vitamin D measurements and systematic COVID-19 testing are needed.

Micronutrients Deficiency, Supplementation and Novel Coronavirus Infections-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Micronutrients play roles in strengthening and maintaining immune function, but their supplementation and/or deficiency effects on respiratory tract infections are inconclusive. This review aims to systematically assess the associations between micronutrient supplementation or deficiency, with novel coronavirus incidence and disease severity.

METHODS

Systematic literature searches conducted in five electronic databases identified 751 unique studies, of which 33 studies (five supplementation studies, one supplementation and deficiency study, and 27 deficiency studies) were eventually included in this review. Proportions of incidence and severity outcomes in each group, and adjusted summary statistics with their relevant 95% confidence intervaIs (CI) were extracted. Data from 19 studies were pooled in meta-analysis using the generic inverse variance method.

FINDINGS

A total of 360,346 patients across 16 countries, with a mean age between 32 and 87.7 years, were involved across 33 studies. All studies were on COVID-19 infections. In individuals without micronutrient deficiency, there was a significant reduction on odds of COVID-19 incidence (pooled OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.78), and ICU admissions or severe/critical disease onset when combined as a severity outcome (pooled OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.89). Insignificant protective effects were observed on other outcome measures, namely mortality, ICU admission, progression to respiratory-related complications, severe/critical disease onset or requiring respiratory support and hospitalization rate.

CONCLUSION

The absence of micronutrient deficiency significantly reduced COVID-19 incidence and clinical deterioration in hospitalized patients. Usage of micronutrients as prophylaxis and complementary supplement in therapeutic management of COVID-19 patients may be a promising and cost-effective approach warranting in-depth investigation.

Vitamin D and Lung Outcomes in Elderly COVID-19 Patients

Background and aim: Vitamin D deficiency is frequently reported in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to correlate the 25OH-Vitamin D serum concentrations with clinical parameters of lung involvement, in elderly patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: Sixty-five consecutive COVID-19 patients (mean age 76 ± 13 years) and sixty-five sex- and age-matched control subjects (CNT) were analyzed. The following clinical parameters, including comorbidities, were collected at admission: type of pulmonary involvement, respiratory parameters (PaO2, SO2, PaCO2, PaO2/FiO2), laboratory parameters (including 25OH-vitamin D, D-dimer, C-reactive protein). Results: Significantly lower vitamin D serum levels were found in COVID-19 patients than in CNT (median 7.9 vs 16.3 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Interestingly, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between vitamin D serum levels and PaO2 (p = 0.03), SO2 (p = 0.05), PaO2/FiO2 (p = 0.02), while a statistically significant negative correlation was found between vitamin D serum levels and D-dimer (p = 0.04), C-reactive protein (p = 0.04) and percentage of O2 in a venturi mask (p = 0.04). A negative correlation was also observed between vitamin D serum levels and severity of radiologic pulmonary involvement, evaluated by computed tomography: in particular, vitamin D was found significantly lower in COVID-19 patients with either multiple lung consolidations (p = 0.0001) or diffuse/severe interstitial lung involvement than in those with mild involvement (p = 0.05). Finally, significantly lower vitamin D serum levels were found in the elderly COVID-19 patients who died during hospitalization, compared to those who survived (median 3.0 vs 8.4 ng/mL, p = 0.046). Conclusions: This study confirms that 25OH-vitamin D serum deficiency is associated with more severe lung involvement, longer disease duration and risk of death, in elderly COVID-19 patients. The detection of low vitamin D levels also in younger COVID-19 patients with less comorbidities further suggests vitamin D deficiency as crucial risk factor at any age.

Obesity considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak

The worldwide population is facing a double burden of epidemic, the COVID-19 and obesity. This is even more alarming as obesity increases the COVID-19 severity. However, the relationship between obesity and COVID-19 severity is more complex than a simple association with BMI. In particular, obesity has been associated with low death rates in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, a fatal comorbidity to COVID-19, possibly due to the obesity paradox. Also, visceral adiposity could be a major risk factor for COVID-19 severity, due to its immune activation component, release of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and involvement in the cytokine storm, hypercoagulability and embolism. A poor antioxidant nutritional status also weakens the immune system, increasing inflammation and infection risk. Moreover, the COVID-19 lockdown might impact lifestyle patterns, mental health and weight bias, worsening the obesity then COIVD-19 situation. On the other hand, health care expenses and productivity loss are expected to increase during the concomitant epidemics. The co-occurrence of obesity and COVID-19 is a major challenge at both public health and economic levels that should urgently be taken into consideration. The identification of COVID-19 weight related risk factors and the development of appropriate weight management programs are needed to tackle the concomitant epidemics.

Kerja Harmoni Zat Gizi dalam Meningkatkan Imunitas Tubuh Terhadap Covid-19: Mini Review

ABSTRACTBackground: The Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia has been running since March 2020. Efforts to break the chain of transmission of the disease caused by the new SARS-CoV 2 coronavirus are by avoiding contact by practicing social & physical distancing and improving personal hygiene, and increase immunity or body defense against the corona virus.Purpose: This article discusses the role of macro nutrients and micronutrients that have the potential to increase immunity such as omega-3 fatty acids, several water soluble vitamins such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, as well as fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E. as well as several minerals such as Fe, Zn, Se. The mechanisms of innate immunity and adaptive immunity that involve these nutrients will be discussed in depth, as well as how the cellular mechanism fights the corona virus.Discussion: The mechanism for the entry of the corona virus into the cell is through a mechanism called endocytosis, in which the virus is captured by the receptors on the surface of the cell, then drawn into the cell. Spike protein (protein S) facilitates the entry of viruses into target cells, especially lung cells.Conclusion The body's defense mechanisms against the corona virus are: 1) strengthening the body's frontline defenses or innate immunity; 2) stimulates the production of IgM and IgG immunoglobulins in the circulation; 3) blocking the virus from binding to the ACE-2 receptor; 4) reduce the intensity of cytokine storms; 5) reduce the speed of virus replication. ABSTRAKLatar Belakang: Pandemi Covid-19 di Indonesia telah berjalan sejak bulan Maret 2020. Upaya untuk memutus rantai penularan penyakit yang disebabkan oleh virus corona jenis baru SARS-CoV 2 adalah dengan menghidari kontak dengan cara mempraktekkan social & physical distancing dan meningkatkan kebersihan diri, serta meningkatkan imunitas atau pertahanan tubuh terhadap virus corona. Tujuan: Artikel ini membahas peran zat gizi makro dan zat gizi mikro yang berpotensi untuk meningkatkan imunitas seperti asam lemak omega-3, beberapa vitamin larut air seperti vitamin B6, vitamin C, juga vitamin larut lemak seperti vitamin A, vitamin D dan vitamin E, serta beberapa mineral seperti Fe, Zn, Se. Mekanisme innate immunity dan adaptive immunity yang melibatkan zat gizi tersebut akan dibahas secara mendalam, serta bagaimana mekanisme selular melawan virus corona. Ulasan: Mekanisme masuknya virus corona ke dalam sel adalah melalui mekanisme yang disebut endositosis, yaitu virus ditangkap oleh reseptor yang terdapat di permukaan sel, kemudian ditarik masuk ke dalam sel. Spike protein (protein S) bertugas memfasilitasi masuknya virus ke dalam sel target, terutama sel paru.Kesimpulan Mekanisme pertahanan tubuh melawan virus corona adalah: 1) menguatkan pertahanan tubuh garis depan atau innate immunity; 2) menstimulasi produksi immunoglobulin IgM dan IgG di dalam sirkulasi; 3) memblokir agar virus tidak terikat oleh receptor ACE-2; 4) menurunkan intensitas badai sitokin; 5) menurunkan kecepatan replikasi virus.

The efficacy of a compounded micronutrient supplement on the incidence, duration, and severity of the common cold: A pilot randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose

Viral upper respiratory infections are associated with significant health and economic impact. This study sought to determine the efficacy of routine immune system micronutrient supplementation on the incidence, duration and severity of common cold symptoms.

Methods

This pilot study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of N = 259 with asymptomatic participants aged 18 to 65 in two cold seasons of 2016 and 2017. The treatment group received an immune system targeted micronutrient caplet, while the placebo group received a micronized cellulose caplet externally identical to the treatment caplet. Weekly surveys were sent electronically to participants to document common cold incidence, duration and severity. Primary statistical results were obtained using mixed-effects logistic regressions to account for longitudinal measurements for participants.

Results

The odds of acquiring an upper respiratory infection, adjusted for potential confounders, was estimated to be 0.74 times lower in the treatment group (p = 0.14). The odds of reporting specific symptoms were statistically lower in the treatment arm compared to the placebo arm for runny nose (OR = 0.53, p = 0.01) and cough (OR = 0.51, p = 0.04). Shorter durations of runny nose and cough were also observed in the treatment arm compared to placebo (both p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in severity of symptoms in either group. The observed proportion of reported cold symptoms in the treatment group was lower compared to the placebo group between late January and February in two consecutive cold seasons. Given the physical, workplace and economic impact of upper respiratory infections, this low cost and low risk intervention should be further studied with more robust investigation and meticulous experimental design.

Zinc Supplementation Reduces Common Cold Duration among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials with Micronutrients Supplementation

The common cold had resulted in significant economic and social burden worldwide. The effect of vitamin C on preventing common cold in healthy adults has been investigated extensively, but not that of other micronutrients. Thus, we aim to assess the effects of providing micronutrients singly through oral means, on cold incidence, and/or management (in terms of cold duration and symptom severity) in healthy adults from systematically searched randomized controlled trials. From four electronic databases, 660 identified studies were screened and data were extracted from 20 studies (zinc, 10; vitamin D, 8; and vitamins A and E, 2). The quality of selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and certainty in the outcomes was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The review found that micronutrients supplementation, except vitamin C, may not prevent cold incidence or reduce symptom severity among healthy adults. However, zinc supplementation was observed to potentially reduce cold duration by 2.25 days (when zinc is provided singly, 95% CI: -3.39, -1.12). This suggests that zinc supplementation may reduce the overall burden due to common cold among healthy adults.

Status and influential factors of vitamin D among children aged 0 to 6 years in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in childhood are common. However, the status and influential factors of vitamin D during different ages are not clear. This study aimed to survey vitamin D concentrations in children aged 0 to 6 years and explore its influential factors.

METHODS

A total of 6953 children were recruited in Wuxi City of East China from January to December in 2016. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D].

RESULTS

The median vitamin D concentrations in the infant group (0-1 years of age) was 69.40 nmol/L, which were higher than that in both the toddlerhood group (1-3 years of age; 62.30 nmol/L) and the preschool group (3-6 years of age; 50.85 nmol/L). In addition, the median vitamin D concentrations were 71.70 nmol/L in summer, which was higher than that in spring (64.25 nmol/L), autumn (62.95 nmol/L) and winter (64.10 nmol/L). However, no difference was observed between genders (P = 0.974). Furthermore, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) was 48.1% in the preschool group (3-6 years of age), which was higher than the 21.2% vitamin D deficiency in the toddlerhood group (1-3 years of age) and the 17.9% vitamin D deficiency in the infant group (0-1 years of age). Interestingly, a nonlinear association between 25(OH) D and air temperature was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was common in a Chinese population of children 0-6 years old, especially in the preschool-aged children. Therefore, we suggested that we should pay more attention to vitamin D supplementation in Chinese young children.