• The importance of vitamin C, vitamin E, and B-carotene, as "antioxidant micronutrients", in boosting immunity via reducing inflammation and oxidative stress for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19
  • Davood Jafari,1,* Melika Noori,2
    1. 1. Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences 2. Immunogenetics Research Network (IgReN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN)
    2. 3. Student of Surgical technology, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences 2. Immunogenetics Research Network (IgReN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN)


  • Introduction: The immune system recognizes foreign invaders and protects the body from pathogens. This system can be affected by many environmental and genetic factors. Oxidant-antioxidant balance is one of these factors which is required for the proper function of the immune system. Oxidative stress is observed in the case of the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses. Exceed free radicals may impair crucial biomolecules and regulatory pathways involved in inflammation, which can affect the cells of a variety of tissues. Hyperinflammation, caused by an uncontrolled reaction to immune-related stimuli, is supposed to be associated with incidence and symptoms’ intensity of COVID-19 infection. The goal of this study is to highlight some new findings on the impact of vitamins C, E, and β-Carotene on the prevention and treatment of SARA-CoV-2 by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • Methods: The available literature in the ‘PubMed,’ ‘Google Scholar’ and ‘Science Direct’ databases were analyzed using the keywords including nutrients, immune system, COVID-19, oxidative stress, inflammation, and the results with scientific evidence for the positive effects of vitamins C, E, and β-Carotene on inflammation, oxidative stress, and the function of the immune system during the infection were summarized.
  • Results: Recent evidence reveal that several transcription factors including NF-κB, AP-1, p53, HIF-1α, β-catenin/Wnt, and Nrf2 can be activated by oxidative stress. These transcription factors modulate the gene expression of a variety of inflammation-induced factors including activating and inhibitory receptors, inflammatory chemokines, and cytokines, and dysregulation of this loop can impair the function of immune system and intensify the COVID-19 disease condition. It has been demonstrated that pertinent intake of antioxidant nutrients can help to boost the immune system by decreasing excessive inflammation and oxidative stress.
  • Conclusion: It is indicated that some antioxidant micronutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-Carotene have key roles in strengthening the immune system, thereby helping the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease.
  • Keywords: Vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene, COVID-19, oxidative stress