Dietary immunity boosters in relation to severity of novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) among elderly patients
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Date
2023
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Punjab Agricultural University
Abstract
A research study to assess the impact of dietary immunity boosters in relation to severity of novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) among 100 elderly patients males and females (above 60 years of age) was conducted in two districts (Hisar and Jind) of Haryana. Fifty subjects from each district (25 males and 25 females) recently recovered from COVID were selected. The nutritional status and the intake of immunity boosters was assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire. The weight and BMI of the selected subjects was higher than the normal values. 66 % males and 68 % females belonged to obese category I. There was quantitative inadequacy of cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, other vegetables and fruits. The intake of fats, milk and its products was highest than the recommendation in both the groups. The diets were also inadequate in nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, vit. D, vit. A as the average daily intake of these nutrients met less than 85 % of the RDA’s. The COVID affected the physical activity, sleeping pattern and dietary habits of the subjects. Commonly consumed natural immunity boosters were garlic, turmeric, aloe vera, coconut water, green cardamom and ginger. Garlic and turmeric was the most commonly used immunity boosters with consumption frequency score of more than 5.00. A significant correlation was found between consumption of natural immunity boosters and severity of COVID-19 i.e. r=-0.268* in aloe vera, r=-0.258** in turmeric, r=-0.071**in garlic. Fever, dry cough, body pain, sore throat, headache, loss of taste, loss of smell and shortness of breath were the most common signs of COVID-19 infection in majority of the subjects. Nutritional supplements like vitamin D3 were taken by the subjects before and during COVID. Majority of the subjects both males and females were fully vaccinated by covishield vaccine. The study recommends that the dose and source of immunity boosters should be taken care off to get maximum health benefits.
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Rajni (2023). Dietary immunity boosters in relation to severity of novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) among elderly patients (Unpublished M.Sc. thesis). Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.