We are endowed with the immune system to protect us against pathogenic organisms. Good nutrition is an important determinant of a robust immune system. Immunity can be impaired in the malnourished and in those with low intakes of micronutrients. As a consequence susceptibility to infection increases. Also, the infections may become more severe or even fatal.
Poor nutrition in older people and the obese may be an important cause for the higher risk of more severe outcomes from infection with SARS-CoV-2 or with other infections. Individual micronutrient studies including vitamin D and zinc have been found to reduce the severity of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Good nutrition is also found to promote a diverse intestinal microflora which in turn supports the immune system. An effective response to vaccination also needs good nutrition. Therefore it appears that good nutrition which promotes a…
