Abstract

Background: Multiple Life and health directly depend on food and normal digestive system functions, as well as eating habits. Absorbed essential and beneficial nutrients from food are used by all human organic systems to maintain their functions for the purpose of maintaining health. The immune system resists harmful agents from the environment and increases level of its activity during infection. Such activity requires more energy sources and specific substrates from food to activate cellular and biochemical elements of immune defense. Adequate food choices and a wide range of nutrients are necessary to maintain optimal immune system function. In the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, little attention is paid to strengthening the natural abilities of the human body and its immune system to prevent COVID-19. Objectives: The goal of this article is to evaluate new findings on the impact of food, specific nutrients and eating habits on immune system function during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The available literature was analyzed using the key words: food, immune system, COVID-19, and the results of studies that have scientific evidence (EBM) for the positive impact of food on the activity of the immune system during this disease were summarized. Results and discussion: Food, diet and digestive function play the most important role in the overall immune response to viral infections. It has been proven that the active ingredients of food can strengthen or weaken the immune system (immunomodulation or immunosuppression). Organic balanced food adapted to each person (personal diet) is the first condition for creating an adequate natural defense system. Conclusion: There is evidence that many nutrients have key roles in boosting immune system. Strong immune system with adequate response can stop virus entering deeply in human body („to stop virus on the gate“).

Key words: COVID-19, nutrition, immunity, vitamin D