Nutraceuticals‐ An immunity Booster to combat Covid‐19

Nutritional deficiency or inadequacy can impair immune functions. Optimal nutritional status is important in protecting against viral infections. Vegetables are considered essential for well‐balanced diets since they supply vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals. Eating a low‐fat, plant‐based vegetarian diet may boost the immune system. Spices are rich source for nutraceuticals having specific health benefits. Traditional knowledge existing in countries like India has shown the medicinal properties of many spices. Some of the important constituents of spices which are shown to possess medicinal value include curcumin from turmeric, capsaicin from red pepper, piperine(black pepper), eugenol(cloves), allyl sulfides from garlic and onion. These compounds are possess antioxidant activity, anti‐inflammatory activity and antimicrobial activity. Recent studies shown that the bioactive lipids (Omega‐3 fatty acids) and nutraceuticals (tocopherols, gamma oryzanol, sesame lignans, polyphenols, carotenoids) aid for enhancing resistance and recovery from SARS‐CoV‐2, COVID, SARS, and MERS infections. Dietary polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids (litchi seeds, olives, quercetin, and kaempferol) are effective inhibitors of COVID‐19 main protease. The consumption of foods rich in vitamins and of functional foods can boost the immune system to help fight off viruses. Foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A play an essential role in immune function and lower the susceptibility to infections. Other vegetables, like carrots, spinach, and sweet potato. isotretinoin (vitamin A derivative) arbitrates the down‐regulation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which help to enter SARS‐COV‐2 in the body. Vitamins D and E also boost our resistance to COVID‐19, as the decrease in cattle's levels of Vitamins D and E could lead to infection by a bovine coronavirus. Currently, supporting the immune system to the consumers’ topmost health goals worldwide. In the new epoch of the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is forecasted that consumers will gradually pursue products to boost their immune system in the future. In addition to basic hygienic practices, proper dietary and lifestyle behaviors are crucial for prevention and treatment of COVID‐19. Good nutrition helps to ensure a healthy and proper functioning of the body. The novel coronavirus infection has brought the concept of boosting individual immunity at the forefront. Several people in the world are now confined to their homes, inclusion of these easily available plants in the daily diet may help to reinforce the immune system and guard against infection by SARS‐CoV‐2. Balanced diet with assorted Nutraceuticals which can help in maintaining immunity is essential for prevention and management of viral infections (SARS, COVID, MERS). Dietary supplementation with the above vitamins, bioactive lipids, Spices, Polyphenols, flavonoids, and herbs may be a tool to boost human immune system against COVID19. Evidence evaluating dietary supplementation in COVID‐19 is still lacking. Nutritional strategies for enhancing immunity against COVID need to be explored.