Association of Natural Antioxidants and Immunity in Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

BACKGROUND A pandemic is when an infectious disease occurs in different parts of the world simultaneously and quickly spreads from person to person. The pandemic of the 21st century in the entire world is infection with the coronavirus. India now has the world's second-largest number of confirmed cases, next to US, following a recent increase in recorded infections. In case of serious corona infections, the out-ofcontrol immune system ultimately causes the patients' lungs to stop supplying oxygen to the body leading to respiratory failure. In some cases, the malfunctioning immune response in Covid-19 patients can drive the rapid decline in lung function. Symptoms of Covid-19, such as flu (influenza infection) similar to cold, can be avoided or mitigated and are mostly managed by combining a balanced diet with exercise and addition of antioxidants; the most common antioxidant is vitamin C in some form like raw or ripe fruits and vegetables is preferred and supplementations are also advised. Ascorbic acid is best known for its antioxidant properties and can scavenge damaging reactive oxygen species, thus protecting the body's cells and tissues from oxidative harm and dysfunction. However, vitamins also have many other significant body functions, many of which are known to promote good immune function. Vitamin C levels may be reduced during infection, and the demand for vitamin C enhances with the severity of the infection. Consequently, a possible antioxidant therapy may be suggested to get relief from the Covid-19 respiratory infection. An effective immune response relies on an appropriate diet and natural antioxidants, to hold infection at bay. KEY WORDS Natural Antioxidants, Vitamin C, Immunity, Covid-19, Pandemic