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Koyama S, Joseph PV, Shields VDC, Heinbockel T, Adhikari P, Kaur R, Kumar R, Alizadeh R, Bhutani S, Calcinoni O, Mucignat-Caretta C, Chen J, Cooper KW, Das SR, Rohlfs Domínguez P, Guàrdia MD, Klyuchnikova MA, Laktionova TK, Mori E, Namjoo Z, Nguyen H, Özdener MH, Parsa S, Özdener-Poyraz E, Strub DJ, Taghizadeh-Hesary F, Ueha R, Voznessenskaya VV. Possible roles of phytochemicals with bioactive properties in the prevention of and recovery from COVID-19. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1408248. [PMID: 39050135 PMCID: PMC11266003 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1408248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There have been large geographical differences in the infection and death rates of COVID-19. Foods and beverages containing high amounts of phytochemicals with bioactive properties were suggested to prevent contracting and to facilitate recovery from COVID-19. The goal of our study was to determine the correlation of the type of foods/beverages people consumed and the risk reduction of contracting COVID-19 and the recovery from COVID-19. Methods We developed an online survey that asked the participants whether they contracted COVID-19, their symptoms, time to recover, and their frequency of eating various types of foods/beverages. The survey was developed in 10 different languages. Results The participants who did not contract COVID-19 consumed vegetables, herbs/spices, and fermented foods/beverages significantly more than the participants who contracted COVID-19. Among the six countries (India/Iran/Italy/Japan/Russia/Spain) with over 100 participants and high correspondence between the location of the participants and the language of the survey, in India and Japan the people who contracted COVID-19 showed significantly shorter recovery time, and greater daily intake of vegetables, herbs/spices, and fermented foods/beverages was associated with faster recovery. Conclusions Our results suggest that phytochemical compounds included in the vegetables may have contributed in not only preventing contraction of COVID-19, but also accelerating their recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Koyama
- School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Paule V. Joseph
- Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism and National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vonnie D. C. Shields
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fisher College of Science and Mathematics, Towson University, Towson, MD, United States
| | - Thomas Heinbockel
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Rishemjit Kaur
- CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ritesh Kumar
- CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rafieh Alizadeh
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Surabhi Bhutani
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Jingguo Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Keiland W. Cooper
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Subha R. Das
- Department of Chemistry, The Center for Nucleic Acids Science & Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Paloma Rohlfs Domínguez
- Department of Evolutionary Psychology and Educational Psychology, Universidad del País Vasco-Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Maria A. Klyuchnikova
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology & Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana K. Laktionova
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology & Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eri Mori
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zeinab Namjoo
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Ha Nguyen
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Shima Parsa
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elif Özdener-Poyraz
- School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham Park, NJ, United States
| | - Daniel Jan Strub
- Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Farzad Taghizadeh-Hesary
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rumi Ueha
- Swallowing Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Gualtieri P, Frank G, Cianci R, Smeriglio A, Alibrandi A, Di Renzo L, Trombetta D. Mediterranean Diet Influence on SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Adverse Reaction: Friend or Foe? Nutrients 2024; 16:1846. [PMID: 38931201 PMCID: PMC11206327 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has long been recognized for its health-promoting attributes, with proven benefits in preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, MedDiet's potential to mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection gained attention. This study aims to investigate the interplay among MedDiet adherence, immune system response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and potential sex-related variations. METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted through collecting data from a web survey for the Italian population. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS); in addition, COVID-19 symptoms and vaccination details were also obtained. RESULTS Significant associations between MedDiet adherence, COVID-19 symptoms, and vaccine-related side effects were observed. Notably, females demonstrated distinct responses, reporting lymph node enlargement and a different prevalence and severity of vaccine side effects compared to males. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the protective role of the MedDiet against COVID-19 and emphasizes the relevance of sex-specific responses in vaccination outcomes according to MEDAS score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Gualtieri
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (P.G.); (L.D.R.)
| | - Giulia Frank
- PhD School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (D.T.)
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Laura Di Renzo
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (P.G.); (L.D.R.)
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (D.T.)
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Sharma S, Di Castelnuovo A, Cerletti C, Donati MB, de Gaetano G, Iacoviello L, Bonaccio M. Diet Quality and Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection or COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1596-1616. [PMID: 37748553 PMCID: PMC10721534 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of healthy diets in the management of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19. Evidence suggests the influence of diet and dietary patterns during post-COVID-19, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dietary habits and quality. However, limited evidence lies on the association between a healthy diet, and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of observational studies to examine the association between diet quality, and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 among adult populations. 6158 research articles from Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases were identified for eligibility. Only observational studies were included. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Thirteen studies were included (4 with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 9 with COVID-19 as the outcome); 3 were case-control, 3 were cross-sectional, and 7 were prospective studies. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was examined as exposure in 7 studies, and was associated with decreased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 2 studies, with estimates varying from 12% to 22%, while COVID-19 risk or severity was found to be reduced in 3 studies with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 36% to 77%. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet was inversely associated with COVID-19 hospitalization (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.55), whereas a healthy plant-based diet had an inverse association with both COVID-19 infection (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.94) and severity (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.74). Studies examining individual food groups generally found lower risk of infection or COVID-19 in association with larger dietary intakes of fruits, vegetables, and fiber. The overall findings of the observational studies in this review support the concept that nutritious diets might lower the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19. This study was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42023397371.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukshma Sharma
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | | | - Chiara Cerletti
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | | | - Giovanni de Gaetano
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy; Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine - EPIMED, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Marialaura Bonaccio
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
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Tholla TS, Sawicki CM, Bhupathiraju SN. The Intersection Between COVID-19, Cardiovascular Disease, and Diet: a Review. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:643-652. [PMID: 37646976 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01138-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the top comorbidities associated with COVID-19-both pre- and post-infection. This review examines the relationships between COVID-19 infection and cardiovascular health, with a specific focus on diet as an important modifiable risk factor. RECENT FINDINGS Pandemic era studies of individuals battling and recovering from COVID-19 infection suggest a strong link between metabolic diseases, such as CVD, and SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility and severity. Other studies also demonstrate how COVID-19 lockdown policies and quarantine recommendations led to drastic lifestyle changes associated with increased CVD risk, such as reduced physical activity and lower diet quality. At the same time, new research is emerging that plant-based diets, which have previously been associated with lower CVD risk, may lower COVID-19 infection rates and severity of symptoms. Diet, COVID-19, and CVD intersect through complex biological mechanisms and related behavioral factors evidenced by clinical trials and epidemiological studies. Diet may be a critical tool for modifying risk of communicable and non-communicable conditions in the post-pandemic world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanusha S Tholla
- Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caleigh M Sawicki
- Department of Medicine, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Room 338, 181 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Shilpa N Bhupathiraju
- Department of Medicine, Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Room 338, 181 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Rust P, Ekmekcioglu C. The Role of Diet and Specific Nutrients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Have We Learned over the Last Three Years? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5400. [PMID: 37048015 PMCID: PMC10093865 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Nutrients and diets have an important impact on our immune system and infection risk and a huge number of papers have been published dealing with various aspects of nutrition in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection risk or COVID-19 severity. This narrative review aims to give an update on this association and tries to summarize some of the most important findings after three years of pandemic. The analysis of major studies and systematic reviews leads to the conclusion that a healthy plant-based diet reduces the risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection and especially COVID-19 severity. Regarding micronutrients, vitamin D is to the fore, but also zinc, vitamin C and, to some extent, selenium may play a role in COVID-19. Furthermore, omega-3-fatty acids with their anti-inflammatory effects also deserve attention. Therefore, a major aim of societal nutritional efforts in future should be to foster a high quality plant-based diet, which not only exerts beneficial effects on the immune system but also reduces the risk for non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes or obesity which are also primary risk factors for worse COVID-19 outcomes. Another aim should be to focus on a good supply of critical immune-effective nutrients, such as vitamin D and zinc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Rust
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Cem Ekmekcioglu
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Dofuor AK, Quartey NKA, Osabutey AF, Boateng BO, Lutuf H, Osei JHN, Ayivi-Tosuh SM, Aiduenu AF, Ekloh W, Loh SK, Opoku MJ, Aidoo OF. The Global Impact of COVID-19: Historical Development, Molecular Characterization, Drug Discovery and Future Directions. CLINICAL PATHOLOGY (THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.) 2023; 16:2632010X231218075. [PMID: 38144436 PMCID: PMC10748929 DOI: 10.1177/2632010x231218075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
In December 2019, an outbreak of a respiratory disease called the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a new coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began in Wuhan, China. The SARS-CoV-2, an encapsulated positive-stranded RNA virus, spread worldwide with disastrous consequences for people's health, economies, and quality of life. The disease has had far-reaching impacts on society, including economic disruption, school closures, and increased stress and anxiety. It has also highlighted disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, with marginalized communities disproportionately affected by the SARS-CoV-2. The symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. There is presently no effective cure. Nevertheless, significant progress has been made in developing COVID-19 vaccine for different therapeutic targets. For instance, scientists developed multifold vaccine candidates shortly after the COVID-19 outbreak after Pfizer and AstraZeneca discovered the initial COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines reduce disease spread, severity, and mortality. The addition of rapid diagnostics to microscopy for COVID-19 diagnosis has proven crucial. Our review provides a thorough overview of the historical development of COVID-19 and molecular and biochemical characterization of the SARS-CoV-2. We highlight the potential contributions from insect and plant sources as anti-SARS-CoV-2 and present directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Naa Kwarley-Aba Quartey
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Belinda Obenewa Boateng
- Coconut Research Program, Oil Palm Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana
| | - Hanif Lutuf
- Crop Protection Division, Oil Palm Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Kade, Ghana
| | - Joseph Harold Nyarko Osei
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Selina Mawunyo Ayivi-Tosuh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Albert Fynn Aiduenu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - William Ekloh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Seyram Kofi Loh
- Department of Built Environment, School of Sustainable Development, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Maxwell Jnr Opoku
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Owusu Fordjour Aidoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
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