Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The majority of those infected with the virus will have mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and will recover without the need for specific treatment. Some, on the other hand, will get critically unwell and require medical assistance. Serious sickness is more likely to strike the elderly and those with underlying medical disorders such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, sings, or breathes, the virus spreads in microscopic liquid particles from their mouth or nose.
Several coronavirus variations have evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic as the virus, SARS-CoV-2, continues to change and adapt. The World Health Organization called a variation of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus the omicron variant in November 2021. (WHO)
FEW FACTS ABOUT OMICRON
The Omicron version spreads faster than the COVID-19 and Delta variants of the original virus. Those infected with the Omicron variant may have symptoms similar to those who have been infected with prior forms.
Infection with Omicron produces less severe illness than infection with previous versions. According to preliminary research, Omicron may produce relatively moderate sickness, while some people may still get severe disease, require hospitalisation, and die as a result of the infection. This why you should boost your immunity and protect yourself.
NUTRITION AND IMMUNITY
Nutrition is crucial for maintaining health and building immunity. Immune function is harmed by poor nutrition, which can be caused by inadequate macronutrient consumption or deficits in particular micronutrients.
Key dietary components such as vitamins C, D, E, zinc, selenium and the omega 3 fatty acids have well-established immunomodulatory effects, with benefits in infectious disease. Some of these nutrients have also been shown to have a potential role in the management of COVID-19.
Vitamin D plays a truly remarkable role in the body and is essential for all good round health. It is not only vital for strong bones but is now known for its important role in the immune system. Evidence supporting the role of vitamin D in reducing risk of COVID-19 includes that the outbreak occurred in winter when vitamin D levels are low. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome; and fatality rates increase with age and with chronic disease co morbidity. To reduce the risk of infection, it is recommended that people at risk of influenza and/or COVID-19 consider taking higher dose of vitamin D. Sunlight is the main source of vitamin; the skin absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet rays and turns them into vitamin D. But many people are deficient, or don’t get enough. This is especially true if you’re older, don’t eat healthy foods, or have a darker skin tone. And those low levels may raise your risk of severe COVID-19 if infected
Vitamin C: Important for the maintenance of a healthy immune system, vitamin C is a general antioxidant and offers protection from free radical damage around the body. Vitamin C supplementation has demonstrated a wide range of antiviral effects against several types of viral infections. Decreased levels of vitamin C have been observed in different viral infections. Increased amount of Vitamins C is required during illness. Food rich in vitamin C such as citrus, grapes should be consumed.
Vitamin A: Involved in protecting the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs from damage. The role of Vitamin A as an immune enhancer is well known. COVID-19 is a pandemic disease that causes severe pulmonary damage and hyperinflammation. Vitamin A is a crucial factor in the development of immune functions and is known to be reduced in cases of acute inflammation
Vitamin E: An important antioxidant for the immune system and maintains the health of the skin and heart by acting within cellular membranes, protecting the cell from oxidative damage, and as a circulating free radical. Vitamin E is probably the most significant vitamin for protecting the brain from free radical attack.
Other minerals important for boosting immunity includes Zinc, Selenium and Bioflavonoid.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPOTRT FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Immunace is a specialist food supplement providing advanced nutritional support for all-round health and vitality, as well as specific nutrients for the normal function of your immune system. It provides a comprehensive formula including Vitamin D, Zinc & Selenium which contribute to the normal function of the immune system, plus folate which contributes to normal blood formation. Vitamins E & C contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Immunace also includes vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids, and natural source carotenoids, with vitamin A which contributes to the maintenance of mucous membranes.
Immunace was one of the UK's first immune system supplements to pioneer and recognise that Vitamin D not only contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function, but also contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Immunace tablet also available as Immunace Extra Protection provides an advanced research-based formula of 28 nutrients, including all the benefits of the original Immunace, with a synergistic combination of nutrients, such as natural lycopene, resveratrol, astaxanthin, alpha lipoic acid and extra vitamin D at 1000 IU. New research shows that optimum intake levels of vitamin D may be higher than previously thought. Developed by Vitabiotics' experts, Immunace Extra Protection gives you extra nutritional support with higher daily levels of vitamin D to contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Immunace range of products is available in all pharmacies in Nigeria for information please visit www.vitabioticsnigeria.com
REFRENCES
Colunga Biancatelli RML, Berrill M, Catravas JD, Marik PE. Quercetin and vitamin C: an experimental, synergistic therapy for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 related disease (COVID-19). Front Immunol. 2020;11:1451. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01451
Vitamin A Plasma Levels in COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Study and Hypothesis
Phil-Robin Tepasse 1, Richard Vollenberg 1, Manfred Fobker 2, Iyad Kabar 1, Hartmut Schmidt 1, Jörn Arne Meier 1, Tobias Nowacki 1, Anna Hüsing-Kabar
Shakoor H, Feehan J, Al Dhaheri AS, Ali HI, Platat C, Ismail LC, Apostolopoulos V, Stojanovska L
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