The latest international recommendations for the elderly, who are the main group at increased risk in the pandemic, are analyzed by Ioanna Stergiou, Msc Clinical Nutritionist – Dietitian, associate of the Ergonomics and Nutrition Center, at the BIOIATRIKI Group.

The optimal functioning of the immune system is considered essential during the critical period of the pandemic.

And while there is insufficient scientific data for the nutritional support of the general population in an infection such as COVID-19, the International Society of ImmunoNutrition has issued special nutritional recommendations for the elderly in the midst of a pandemic with the aim of a strong immune system :

• Increase the intake of vitamin E (200 mg – 2 g / day): Vitamin E is contained in oils, nuts (eg almonds) and seeds (sunflower, flaxseed), avocado, as well as in fruits such as mango and kiwi.
• Increase in zinc (30 mg – 220 mg / day): This element can come from animal (shellfish, seafood, beef) or plant sources (wheat germ, beans, nuts and tofu).
• Increase in vitamin C (200 µg – 2 g / day): Rich in vitamin C are citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, tangerines, grapefruit, kiwi), strawberries, berries, cantaloupe, tomatoes, red peppers and broccoli.
• Increasing vitamin D, especially for people with low serum vitamin D levels (10 mg – 100 μg / day): Sources of vitamin D are fatty fish (eg sardines, salmon), eggs and some fortified foods (milk, juices).