Study Title
Association between severity of COVID-19 symptoms and habitual food intake in adult outpatients.
Principal Investigator
Elihud Salazar-Robles, Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh, Humberto Badillo, Martín Calderón-Juárez, Cesar Alberto García-Bárcenas, Pedro Daniel Ledesma-Pérez, Abel Lerma, Claudia Lerma.
Affiliation
Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara; University of New South Wales; Secretaría de Salud de la Ciudad de México; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo; Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez.
Start Date
October 2020.
End Date
January 2021.
Study Objective
To evaluate the association between habitual food intake of specific food groups and the severity of COVID-19 symptoms in adult outpatients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Short Abstract
This study assessed the relationship between the habitual consumption of specific food groups and COVID-19 symptom severity among adult outpatients. Results showed that increased intake of legumes and grains, bread, and cereals was associated with reduced symptom severity in patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. These findings suggest that diet-based interventions may help mitigate COVID-19 severity.
Study Design
Cross-sectional study involving adult outpatients with suspected COVID-19, evaluated using food frequency questionnaires and symptom severity scales.
Population
236 adult outpatients in Mexico City, Mexico, attending a clinic for COVID-19 evaluation.
Sample Size
236 participants (103 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 133 tested negative).
Inclusion Criteria
Adults aged 18 years or older, presenting with suspected COVID-19 symptoms, capable of completing questionnaires.
Exclusion Criteria
Patients with major psychiatric or medical issues, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Intervention/Exposure
Habitual intake of various food groups, including legumes, grains, bread, cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products, and fats, assessed through a food frequency questionnaire.
Outcome Measures
- Severity of COVID-19 symptoms based on self-reported symptom scales
- Correlation between food intake and symptom severity in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients
Funding Source
No specific funding declared.
Collaborating Institutions
Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara; University of New South Wales; Secretaría de Salud de la Ciudad de México; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo; Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez.
Ethics Approval
Approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez and the Ethics Committee of Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo (protocol number 21-1226).
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, November 2021.
Keywords
COVID-19, food intake, symptom severity, legumes, grains, cereals, dietary intervention.
Data Collection Methods
Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and symptom severity self-reporting scales.
Primary Data Availability
Data are available upon reasonable request.
Contact Information
Dr. Claudia Lerma,