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Micronutrients, genetics and COVID-19
Nikola Kotur1, Biljana Stankovic, Sonja Pavlovic
1Laboratory for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
Summary
Genetic factors influence COVID-19 severity. While Mendelian randomization studies show no link between micronutrient levels and disease, vitamin D and zinc supplementation may reduce severity. Vitamin D receptor gene variants are linked to poorer outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nutrigenetics
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Inter-individual variability in COVID-19 clinical presentation necessitates genetic investigations.
- Altered micronutrient levels in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients may indicate disease prognosis.
- Micronutrients are crucial for immune function and overall health.
Conclusions:
- Emerging nutrigenetic markers, particularly involving the VDR gene, show promise for patient stratification.
- Future research should prioritize genes involved in biological effects over general micronutrient status.
- Nutrigenetic insights can inform personalized nutritional strategies to mitigate severe COVID-19.
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