Services on Demand
Journal
Article
Indicators
Cited by SciELO
Access statistics
Related links
Similars in SciELO
Share
Horizonte sanitario
On-line version ISSN 2007-7459Print version ISSN 1665-3262
Abstract
RUIZ-LOPEZ, Liliana; FELIPE-ORTEGA-FONSECA, Ximena; VAZQUEZ-CURIEL, Rosa Amelia and BALDERRAMA-CARMONA, Ana Paola. Nutritional evaluation in university students and an optimal diet for strengthen the immune system versus the COVID-19. Horiz. sanitario [online]. 2021, vol.20, n.3, pp.417-425. Epub May 26, 2023. ISSN 2007-7459. https://doi.org/10.19136/hs.a20n3.4036.
Objective:
To evaluate the nutritional status of university students to propose the appropriate diet recommendations to prevent COVID-19
Materials and Methods:
The participating students were evaluated using a cross- sectional study by feeding and symptoms through weekly food consumption frequency surveys; the anthropometric evaluation and the taking of blood samples were carried out under standardized ethical regulations. Statistical analysis was performed by multifactorial logistic regression analysis using the EPI INFO TM. A literature review was developed in a database where the appropriate nutrients to prevent COVID-19 are described.
Results:
A group of university students (n = 42) between 18 and 22 years old was evaluated. More than 95% of the young people declared consuming carbohydrates as their primary food source. On the other hand, 76% showed a BMI within normal parameters (19-24.9 Kg /m2). Low hemoglobin counts were estimated with a prevalence of 11.90% among the participating group.
Conclusions:
Food remains the key to human health and well-being. Consumption of phytochemicals and nutraceuticals can prevent and even treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among the foods with the most significant potential for preventing COVID-19 are nuts, eggs, fish, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains. The consumption of phytochemicals and nutraceuticals can prevent and even treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Keywords : Body Mass Index; Hemoglobin; SARS CoV-2; Diet; Phytochemicals.