Public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations help reduce the spread and impact of infections. Nevertheless, the global burden of infection is high, and additional measures are necessary. Acute respiratory tract infections, for example, were responsible for approximately 2.38 million deaths worldwide in 2016. The role nutrition plays in supporting the immune system is well-established. A wealth of mechanistic and clinical data show that vitamins, including vitamins A, B, B, C, D, E, and folate; trace elements, including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, and copper; and the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid play important and complementary roles in supporting the immune system. Inadequate intake and status of these nutrients are widespread, leading to a decrease in resistance to infections and as a consequence an increase in disease burden. Against this background the following conclusions are made: (1) supplementation with the above micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids is a safe, effective, and low-cost strategy to help support optimal immune function; (2) supplementation above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but within recommended upper safety limits, for specific nutrients such as vitamins C and D is warranted; and (3) public health officials are encouraged to include nutritional strategies in their recommendations to improve public health.

An outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19 or 2019-CoV) infection has posed significant threats to international health and the economy. In the absence of treatment for this virus, there is an urgent need to find alternative methods to control the spread of disease. Here, we have conducted an online search for all treatment options related to coronavirus infections as well as some RNA-virus infection and we have found that general treatments, coronavirus-specific treatments, and antiviral treatments should be useful in fighting COVID-19. We suggest that the nutritional status of each infected patient should be evaluated before the administration of general treatments and the current children's RNA-virus vaccines including influenza vaccine should be immunized for uninfected people and health care workers. In addition, convalescent plasma should be given to COVID-19 patients if it is available. In conclusion, we suggest that all the potential interventions be implemented to control the emerging COVID-19 if the infection is uncontrollable.

BACKGROUND: In recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a good nutritional balance is necessary to obtain healing of the chronic wounds. However, involvement of the oral mucosa and oesophagus stenosis may be responsible for severe nutritional deficiencies. OBJECTIVE: In order to propose an adapted nutritional management, we studied the vitamin and trace metal status of 14 RDEB patients. METHODS: Height and weight were measured. Plasma levels of albumin, iron, ferritin, calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), folates, vitamins C, D, B12, A, E, B1, B6, PP and B2, zinc, selenium, carnitine and copper were measured. RESULTS: Most patients had a significant growth retardation. We found iron, vitamin D, C, B6, PP, zinc and selenium deficiencies in 36-70% of the patients, without clinical expression, except in one case. Vitamin B1, 12, B2, A/RBP, E/lipids and carnitine were normal. The three patients with gastrostomy feeding had better growth but still a protein deficiency and sometimes vitamin C, B6, PP, zinc and carnitine deficiencies. CONCLUSION: Vitamin and trace metal deficiencies are frequent in RDEB, even in patients receiving gastrostomy feeding, and often go unrecognized. Regular nutritional evaluation is necessary. Dietary advice and supplements should be given. Enteral feeding by gastrostomy should be discussed in early childhood.