La importancia de una nutrición equilibrada para aumentar el sistema inmunológico durante el brote de covid-19

COVID-19, first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, quickly spread worldwide and was announced as a pandemic in March 2020. As symptoms and outcomes are varied, the elderly and those who have at least one comorbidity (diabetes, cardiovascular disorders or other chronic diseases) are considered to be at high risk and are generally have lower immunity. An optimal immune system is critical for survival, as it protects the body against infectious agents. Nutrition is an essential factor in the immune system, contributing to components in physical barriers, biochemical, innate and adaptive immunity. Research advances show that nutritional deficiencies, namely the inadequacy of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients, affect the immune system and increase infection risk. The following discussion explains the comprehensive role of nutrition in the immune system, nutrition recommendations that can be used as precautions and the need for supplementation during this outbreak.