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Impact of Nutritional Status on COVID-19-Induced Olfactory Dysfunction
Elizabeth M Mastoloni1, Evan French1, Daniel H Coelho1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|July 30, 2024
Summary
Malnutrition impacts COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction risk. Overnutrition increases this risk, while undernutrition may offer slight protection against smell loss after infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Olfactory dysfunction is a common symptom of COVID-19.
- Understanding susceptibility factors for COVID-19-induced chemosensory dysfunction is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between malnutrition (undernutrition and overnutrition) and the risk of developing COVID-19-related chemosensory dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the N3C database to identify adults with COVID-19 and chemosensory dysfunction.
- Analyzed pre-existing diagnoses of undernutrition or overnutrition.
- Calculated odds ratios to assess the risk of olfactory dysfunction in relation to nutritional status.
Main Results:
- Overnutrition was associated with a higher risk of olfactory dysfunction (OR 1.419, p<0.0001).
- Undernutrition showed a decreased risk of olfactory dysfunction (OR 0.731, p<0.0001).
- Prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was 0.66% in overnourished and 0.36% in undernourished COVID-19 patients.
Conclusions:
- Overnutrition may elevate the risk of developing olfactory dysfunction following COVID-19 infection.
- Undernutrition might provide a protective effect against COVID-19-related smell loss.
- Further research into metabolic and inflammatory factors is warranted.
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