Immunity, Nutrition and COVID-19

• Dietitians of Canada’s: Advice for the General Public about COVID-19
• British Dietetic Association (BDA): COVID-19 /Coronavirus - Advice for Dietitians 
• Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA): COVID -19: Information for Dietitians (Login required for access) 
• The PEN COVID-19 and Nutrition Background. (Check for ongoing updates).
• The PEN Immune System Background provides information on how the immune system works and effect of dietary nutrients. 
• The article Tips to Spot Misinformation (regarding the COVID-19 virus) in the March edition of PEN^® eNews. 
• Open access to the PEN System at www.pennutrition.com/COVID19 so health professionals have access to evidence-based information during these challenging times. Details also available in PEN^® eNews.
• No, You Probably Can’t “Boost” Your Immune System to Prevent Coronavirus. Here’s Why. An article in the Washington Post by Registered Dietitian Cara Rosenbloom.

The novel coronavirus is new and evidence to support specific dietetic recommendations is not yet available in the scientific literature. The bottom line is that a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables, protein foods and whole grains is important for a strong immune system as are other healthy lifestyle habits (e.g exercise, not smoking, adequate sleep, managing stress etc). There is no one food or nutrient, supplement or herb that will protect you from the COVID-19 virus. The WHO has stated that there is no evidence that the consumption of garlic will prevent COVID-19. For this and other myth busters see WHO's advice for the public: myth busters. For more information about how to protect yourself and others, please follow the advice of your health authorities.