Anti-inflammatory and nutritional interventions against SARS-CoV-2: A comprehensive review

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections tend to cause severe symptoms in individuals with certain pre-existing conditions, such as advanced age, comorbidities, and being male. Studies have shown direct correlations between these factors and infection severity. Other factors like inflammation and oxidative stress and their concomitant cytokine expressions further complicate disease severity. Severity in elderly persons is not only helped by age-related inflammatory conditions but exacerbated by a lack of certain immune-boosting nutrients. Retrospective research often focuses on single-nutrient interventions, while this review emphasizes multi-nutrient strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on the synergistic effects of multiple nutrients such as Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium (Se), Omega-3 PUFAs, probiotics, dietary flavonoids, and peptides in ameliorating the dual inflammation and oxidative stress pathways, especially in high-risk groups like elderly persons. The primary mechanism by which these nutrients exert their effect is the modulation of the virus' replication through interference with the RNA export machinery, among other potential pathways. Quantitative data supports the review's conclusions, with studies showing that 85 % of severe COVID-19 cases are linked to Vitamin D deficiency, while Se's supplementation reduces viral replication by 20 %. Therefore, when aging is a risk factor for an infection, consuming health-promoting diets and healthy lifestyles are good tips, especially for elderly persons. Future research should explore the long-term effects of nutritional interventions, particularly how multi-nutrient approaches can assist in managing post-COVID syndromes, as supported by studies on Omega-3 PUFAs and their ability to reduce cytokine levels by 30 %. Nutritional interventions ameliorate severe SARS-CoV-2 infections. Viral infections increase in severity across groups of people with increased age and multiple comorbidities. Inhalation of viral particles suspended on respiratory droplets and binding of viral agents to respiratory cells trigger an imbalance of immune response that features elevated secretions of inflammatory cytokines. Intake of health-boosting food nutrients and a good lifestyle can alleviate the severity of the risk group. • Inflammation and oxidative stress exacerbate the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. • Timely recovery from infection is attributed to effective immune response (which is absent in risk groups). • Elderly individuals and those with health comorbidities are most vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infections. • Early and consistent nutritional interventions may provide effective prevention and recovery strategies for COVID-19.