Nutrition During Covid-19: Facts and Fakes

Since the global outbreak of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), thousands of articles and publications have been posted on social media, newspapers and magazine claiming that some foods and nutrients can prevent infection from the virus or even cure the disease.

There is currently no evidence that eating certain foods or following certain diets will protect against infection from Covid-19.

Myths have been spread about what to eat in order not to contract the virus or manage the symptoms.

Spices and herbs, herbal supplements, or herbal “remedies” have received an increased interest as many publications advertised the antiviral benefits conferred by turmeric, oregano, sage, garlic, clove, cinnamon, and basil to name a few.

Although it is true that garlic (to take one example) was proven to act as an antibacterial agent containing antibacterial substances including allicin, allyl alcohol and diallyl disulfide, there is no evidence that it can prevent infection from Covid-19 or cure the disease.

Some vitamins and minerals support our immune system. For instance, vitamin E (mainly found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds), was proven to play a role in the proliferation of immune cells (lymphocytes, natural killer cells – NK, and interleukin – 2).

Another example is vitamin C which does support both the innate and acquired immune system. Vitamin C is present in phagocytic cells and can enhance chemotaxis, and phagocytosis of neutrophils, and help with the production and differentiation of B-cells and T-cells.

Although some nutrients have the capacity to support or boost our immune system, it is recommended to eat a diversity of foods that contains those nutrients instead of focusing only on the few. In a study published in the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health, it was found that participants that followed a plant-based diet had 73% lower chance of developing moderate to severe symptoms from the virus whereas participants who followed a low-carbohydrates high protein diet had 48% greater chance of developing severe symptoms from the illness. Subsequently, those who were following a plant-based diet had higher intake of vitamins that support our immune system.

International organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and governmental or local agencies are spending resources to inform the public on the best dietary behavior during this pandemic, using scientific and research-based evidence, while debunking the nutrition-related myths and misinformation spread in the media.

For accurate information about Nutrition and Covid-19, you can visit the website of your local government or visit WHO at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters#alcohol.