It is a well-known fact that nutrition provides the body with the means to sustain itself and fight against various illnesses and health problems to keep you healthy. Published in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, a new study has now revealed that nutrition also plays a key role in cutting the risk of respiratory infections, among other infections.
Vitamin A, E and D, in particular, may be linked to fewer respiratory complaints in adults, suggests the analysis of the study. Vitamins A, E, C and D have already been deemed to aid the normal functioning of the immune system, and the American Nutrition Association suggests a high intake of these vitamins may also help stave off respiratory infections.
The researchers wanted to explore whether the intake of these vitamins from both diet and supplements might be linked to the prevalence of respiratory complaints in a nationally representative sample of UK adults. To do this, they drew on information provided by 6115 adult participants, with them self reporting their vitamin intake and any respiratory problems. The researchers looked at dietary intake only and that from diet and supplements (binary exposure), accounting for potentially influential factors, such as age, sex, weight (BMI), smoking, household income and total energy intake.
Overall, there were 33 cases of respiratory complaints. The researchers found vitamin A and E from both diet and supplements was associated with a lower prevalence of respiratory complaints in the adults. And vitamin D intake from supplements, but not from diet, was associated with fewer respiratory complaints, prompting the researchers to suggest that the findings add to the current scientific debate on the value of vitamin D supplementation.
Vitamin D deficiency is more common in older people, overweight people, and in black and Asian people – all groups at increased risk of becoming seriously ill with infections like the new coronavirus. The researchers of the latest study stated,
Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that supplementation is critical to ensuring adequate vitamin D status is maintained and potentially indicate that intake of vitamin D from diet alone cannot help maintain adequate vitamin D status.
Dietary Sources of Vitamins for Better Health
High sources of vitamin A, E and D that you should incorporate in your diet includes:
- Vitamin A: Liver, whole milk, and cheese, as well as carrots, dark green leafy vegetables, and orange-coloured fruits.
- Vitamin E: Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.
- Vitamin D: fatty fish such as trout, salmon, tuna, and mackerel and fish liver oils.
The current study also warrants further study among different ethnic groups and geographies in view of the current coronavirus pandemic, stating “Further research is required to assess the implications of the current study in the context of the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic using data from longitudinal cohorts.
Furthermore, overlooking micronutrient deficiencies as a key contributor to the burden of malnutrition and poor health can also present an additional layer of challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic.
