Nutritional determinants and COVID-19 outcomes of older patients with COVID-19: A systematic review

Background: Malnutrition among older people is one of the serious public health problem worldwide. Nutritional status and levels of nutrients of older patients with COVID-19 effect on COVID-19 outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the prevalence of malnutrition and levels of nutrients associated with outcomes of the older patients with COVID-19.

Materials and methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Science direct and Google scholar database using specific keywords related to the aims. All related articles published on COVID-19 during 2020 were retrieved. PRISMA Statement was followed. The quality of the study was assessed using the quality assessment tools of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

Results: Of the 2979 studies found, a total of eight studies were included in this review. Of these studies, three provided data on nutritional status and outcomes of COVID-19 among older patients with COVID-19. The prevalence of malnutrition among older patients with COVID-19 was high and it was associated with negative outcomes including hospital deaths and transfer to intensive care units. Five studies provided data on nutrients and outcomes of COVID-19. Low albumin, vitamin D, magnesium ,vitamin B12, Se status were associated with malnutrition, oxygen therapy and/or intensive care support of the patients, survival of COVID -19.

Conclusions: Extra care should be provided to older patients with COVID-19 to minimize the prevalence of malnutrition and negative outcomes of COVID-19.