Nutritional management of muscle mass loss in patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: a scoping review

Abstract

Post-Covid-19 Syndrome (PCS) is a condition that causes persistent symptoms and impacts nutritional status such as loss of muscle mass. The objective of this study was to review and map scientific evidence on nutritional management in the loss of muscle mass in patients with PCS. The scoping review protocol was prepared following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Review articles not written in English or those that included only hospitalized patients and pertained to conditions other than PCS were excluded. Data extraction followed the methodology outlined by the Cochrane Review Group. Of the 81 articles initially identified, only five met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies emphasized the importance of recovering muscle mass, higher protein and caloric intake, and physical strength exercises. Consequently, nutritional interventions aimed at mitigating muscle mass loss should prioritize strategies that increase caloric and protein consumption.