Research progress on the effects of micronutrients on immune function, respiratory infection, and SARS-Cov-2 infection / 中华临床营养杂志

ABSTRACT

Micronutrients are important factors affecting the immune system. Micronutrients contribute to maintaining the normal functions of immune system through maintaining the integrity of skin and mucosa, regulating the activity of cytokines, and mediating the proliferation and differentiation of T cells and B cells. Human immune system changes at different stages of growth and development, and micronutrient deficiency can impair the immune system and increase the susceptibility to respiratory infections. Therefore, maintaining the optimal nutritional status is beneficial for the immune system to prevent respiratory infections. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) infection is one of the respiratory infectious diseases that is of most concern recently. Micronutrient supplementation has been shown to have positive effects on the prevention of, symptom relief of and recovery from SARS-Cov-2 infection. Further studies are needed to systematically evaluate the effects of micronutrients on immunity and respiratory infections, and to identify the appropriate timing and dosage.