By research conducted in 2020, more than half of the examined patients with a verified diagnosis of COVID-19 have problems with the work of the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, in 19% of patients, diarrhea was the first symptom and was detected even before respiratory symptoms, and in 26% it was the only symptom.
In actual literature review Chinese authors have tried to systematize the possibilities of applying nutritional support with the help of various products. Based on in vitro and clinical studies, several food components and drugs with possible anticoronavirus effects are described.
In this review mainly vitamins, minerals, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), flavonoids, phytoestrogens (resveratrol of grapes) and a number of biologically active substances of various plant origin with antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory activities (glycyrrhizin from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis, saponins of ginseng leaves).
Nutritional status was not considered a contributing factor to viral infectious diseases until recently. 2021 research showed that nutritional status directly affects the susceptibility to coronavirus infection and the course of the disease. ASPEN (American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) and ESPEN (European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) recommends all medical employees about the importance of nutrition status and nutrition support for short- and long-term results. This is especially true for patients with severe covid-19-type infections. In expert opinion ESPEN and practical guideon nutritional therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infection provides detailed recommendations for nutritional support for patients with COVID-19.
Currently, leading manufacturers of specialized nutrition produce products to support the condition of COVID-19 patients. treatment with such products has been practically proven in clinical trials: Impact of Nutridrink Specialty Food Blend
Information about medical products for enhanced rehabilitation of COVID-19 is available on the manufacturers’ websites: Nestle, Fresenius kabi, Nutricia, B. Braun