COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has had a significant impact on the way in which we live our lives. Whilst the vast majority of people infected with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and can recover without the need for hospitalization, it has become increasingly clear that those with pre-existing noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus, chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular disease and obesity are at increased risk of severe illness and mortality.

The potential for specific foods and nutrients to affect COVID-19 severity and outcomes is gathering increasing interest from the scientific community, as well as the general population and mass media. Given that a common complication in patients with severe COVID-19, and individuals with noncommunicable diseases, is excessive inflammation, foods with anti-inflammatory properties may possess a protective role. Likewise, the role of nutritional status and other nutrients, such as selenium, vitamin D and vitamin C has gathered attention, with vitamin D and selenium deficiency recently linked to COVID-19 severity. Nevertheless, the potential for supplementation of specific foods and nutrients to act as a protective measure against COVID-19 remains a topic of debate.

The goal of this Research Topic is to gather Original Research articles and Reviews which will improve our understanding of diet, specific foods and nutritional status in relation to COVID-19 severity and outcomes. While we expect submissions are likely to be on the preventative role of specific foods and nutrients, submissions on the role of nutrition in treating COVID-19 will also be considered if conducted with scientific rigor.

Welcome subtopics include (but are not limited to):
• Immunological and anti-inflammatory properties of food
• Specific food components and COVID-19 outcomes
• Mechanisms by which specific foods/nutrients may affect COVID-19 severity and outcomes
• Relationship between micronutrient deficiencies and COVID-19
• Nutritional supplementation and COVID-19 outcomes
• Nutritional status and its relationship with COVID-19 severity and outcomes

Due to the exceptional nature of the COVID-19 situation, Frontiers is waiving all article publishing charges for COVID-19 related research in this Research Topic until the 31st of December 2020.

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