Abstract

The pandemic caused by the new coronavirus has sparked discussions among health professionals about the role of food and nutrition in the infectious condition caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in different population groups. Malnutrition, including obesity, may reflect more severe outcomes in the physiopathology of infection and systemic responses caused by COVID-19. The present work aims to make considerations directed to the nutritionist about the susceptibility of COVID-19 in individuals submitted to malnutrition, highlighting possible outcomes of the disease and the importance of nutritional care in maintaining the health of these patients. Therefore, maintaining a good nutritional status of these patients, combined with an adequate level of micronutrients will not guarantee protection against infection caused by COVID-19, however, it is essential to minimize the risks of worsening this disease.