Nutrition, immunity and COVID-19

The immune system protects the host from pathogenic organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites). To deal with this array of threats, the immune system has evolved to include a myriad of specialised cell types, communicating molecules and functional responses. The immune system is always active, carrying out surveillance, but its activity is enhanced if an individual becomes infected. This heightened activity is accompanied by an increased rate of metabolism, requiring energy sources, substrates for biosynthesis and regulatory molecules, which are all ultimately derived from the diet. A number of vitamins (A, B 6 , B 12 , folate, C, D and E) and trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, iron) have been…

• NI
  National Institute for Health and Care Research
• NI
  National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre