Relationship Between Obesity and Low Levels of Micronutrients among Elderly Patients Infected by SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

The pandemic caused by 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan province, China, in December 2019, and has caused infections with varied clinical presentations, ranging from asymptomatic patients, mild flu syndrome to severe respiratory failure. Elderly individuals are part of the highest risk group for infection. In addition, it can be seen that many of elderly are obese and have multiple clinical comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Aging and obesity reduce levels of circulating micronutrients both due to the lower absorption of these nutrients by the digestive tract and the high consumption of some micronutrients due to the oxidative stress of the obese patient. Low levels of micronutrients among obese elderly people can aggravate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the disease may progress to orotracheal intubation and the need for mechanical ventilatory support. This mini review will show especially the relationship between low levels of vitamin D and zinc among elderly patients with obesity hospitalized with COVID-19.