ReviewMicronutrients and bioactive substances: Their potential roles in combating COVID-19
Highlights
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The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is overwhelmingly affecting public health and setting off huge economic crises across the world
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Despite the absence of specific drugs, there is a need for alternative nutritional approaches
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Micronutrients and bioactive substances can be considered as alternative nutritional approaches because they:
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have great potential to interfere with spike glycoproteins, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptors, and transmembrane protease serine 2 at the entry site of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2;
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inhibit proteases such as papain-like protease, 3 chymotrypsin-like protease, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase;
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have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties; and
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can bolster the immune system and help mitigate clinical features
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Abstract
Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is seriously threatening public health and setting off huge economic crises across the world. In the absence of specific drugs for COVID-19, there is an urgent need to look for alternative approaches. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to review the roles of micronutrients and bioactive substances as potential alternative approaches in combating COVID-19.
Methods
This review was based on the literature identified using electronic searches in different databases.
Results
Vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E), minerals (selenium and zinc), and bioactive substances from curcumin, echinacea, propolis, garlic, soybean, green tea, and other polyphenols were identified as having potential roles in interfering with spike glycoproteins, angiotensin converting enzyme 2, and transmembrane protease serine 2 at the entry site, and inhibiting activities of papain-like protease, 3 chymotrypsin-like protease, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in the replication cycle of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Having immunomodulating, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties, such micronutrients and bioactive substances are consequently promising alterative nutritional approaches to combat COVID-19.
Conclusions
The roles of micronutrients and bioactive substances in the fight against COVID-19 are exciting areas of research. This review may suggest directions for further study.