Given the heterogeneity with respect to disease severity in different population groups “authorities” have steered clear of prescribing nutrition of a “healthy lifestyle” as prophylactic or for the management of COVID-19. Studies with specific vitamins …
and phytonutrients have been inconclusive (at best), making it even more difficult to recommend “natural” ways to beat COVID-19. Therefore, the major focus (correctly), has been the development and distribution of vaccines.
Despite (rare) cases of very severe COVID-19 in children and fit, healthy young adults, good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle is definitely helpful. It is difficult however to be precise when it comes to advice regarding nutrition and healthy lifestyle – there are too many variables and uncertainties.
I think, given that there is no convincing data on vitamins or specific phytonutrients, the generic advice – good sleep, hydration, ‘good food’, some exercise, less stress – is the best that can be given. The ‘good food’ component is specific to individuals, some people may respond better to high carbohydrate diets, others to high protein, others might like or hate beans etc etc… food is a very individual thing! For me, protein and the occasional coca-cola is optimal; vegetables and too many “healthy” carbohydrates (except for good bread and pasta J) don’t work that well for me! Basically, it is very difficult to work nutrition and healthy lifestyle into a specific and effective public health recommendation.
Regarding vitamins – if lacking in the diet – some vitamins C and D, and maybe some zinc could help. Again, there is some evidence that these may be useful but not unequivocal evidence! Regarding phytonutrients, there have been many “preliminary” studies investigating extracts and specific compounds as potential antivirals or therapeutics; still no clear evidence that ay may work against COVID-19 in the “real world”.
That’s the beauty of safe and effective vaccines – they work in the vast majority of the population; remember, 95% efficacy; almost 100% efficacy against very severe COVID-19 and hospitalization. Of course, there are emerging variants that may diminish efficacy, some contraindications, and rare side effects that we will consider another time… BUT, without a doubt vaccination of 70-80% of the population is our best bet for getting out of this pandemic.
Until next time …