Potencial terapêutico da nutrição nas infecções virais como a COVID - 19.

Abstract

Pandemics are characterized by being infectious diseases spread around the world, almost simultaneously. At the end of 2019, the current pandemic caused by the SARS- Cov-2 virus appears, triggering COVID-19, with high rates of virulence. Associated symptoms range from common colds to severe symptoms such as acute respiratory syndrome, which can lead to death. The disease caused by the new coronavirus has had repercussions in all areas of life. Nutrition has a significant impact on the treatment and prevention of viral diseases, such as COVID-19, as it favors, through healthy eating habits, an immune system resistant to the action of pathogens, as well as helping to prevent future infections. The present study aimed to track potential scientific evidence related to the effectiveness of some nutrients in coping with COVID-19. Thus, several studies demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of nutrients for a proper functioning of the immune system itself, with a high potential in modulating the immune system's immune responses. Some of the highlighted nutrients for this purpose were vitamins (A, C, B, D), mineral salts such as iron, selenium and zinc, consumed in the diet or through supplementation. Finally, it can be concluded that nutrition plays a fundamental role in fighting viral infections through healthy eating. It is necessary to develop further studies on the subject, in search of more information on the functionality of nutrients in the treatment and prevention of viral diseases.