Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic underscored the crucial role of robust immunity in combating infectious diseases. While traditional approaches prioritize pathogen eradication, bolstering host immunity offers a complementary strategy.
Objective: This narrative review examines the immune-enhancing potential of micronutrients, particularly vitamins C and D, zinc, and selenium, in the context of viral infections, focusing on COVID-19.
Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases, including studies published in English and French, with no date restrictions applied before December 31, 2021, to identify relevant research on the impact of micronutrient supplementation on immune function.
Results: Vitamins C and D, zinc, and selenium play vital roles in supporting both innate and adaptive immunity. For instance, Vitamin D supplementation (250,000-500,000 IU) significantly reduced hospital stays in deficient, critically ill patients (18-25 days vs 36 days). Zinc supplementation in infants reduced acute lower respiratory tract infection duration, and doses exceeding 75 mg/day shortened common cold duration by 42%. Selenium deficiency was linked to poorer COVID-19 recovery rates in a Chinese study.
Conclusion: Although further research is needed to establish definitive treatment protocols, optimizing micronutrient status through supplementation and dietary interventions presents a promising avenue to enhance host immunity against COVID-19 and future pandemics. A proactive, individualized approach incorporating micronutrient optimization and comprehensive nutritional care can contribute significantly to individual and public health resilience against infectious threat

COVID-19, immunostimulant, immunomodulator, oligo-element