Relationship among Dietary Intake of Vitamin E, Lipid Peroxidation Markers, and C-Reactive Protein in Flu-Like Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19

TL;DR

This study found that vitamin E intake was low in flu-like patients with COVID-19 and weakly linked to a marker of oxidative stress.

Contribution

The study identifies a mild correlation between inadequate vitamin E intake and lipid peroxidation in COVID-19 patients.

Findings

Dietary vitamin E intake was 100% inadequate in the studied population.

Vitamin E intake showed a mild correlation with malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation marker.

No significant correlations were found between vitamin E intake and C-reactive protein or myeloperoxidase levels.

Abstract

This research aimed to assess the intake of vitamin E and its relationship with lipid peroxidation markers and C-reactive protein levels in patients with flu symptoms and COVID-19 diagnosis.

A cross-sectional study with 121 patients of both sexes assisted at two basic health units in the city of Teresina, Piauí, with COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed through real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, was performed between the 3rd and 7th days of flu symptoms. The global nutritional status and the measurement of waist circumference were assessed according to the World Health Organization recommendations. The dietary energy intake, macronutrients, and vitamin E consumption were assessed through the 24 hr food recall method. The malondialdehyde plasmatic concentration (MDA) was measured through the method of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) was assessed through the oxidation speed of the o-dianisidine substrate in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured by a high-sensitivity immunoturbidimetry method.

The most common symptoms reported by the participants were sore throat, fever, and cough. Regarding the global nutritional status evaluation, the majority of the sample had overweight. The dietary intake of vitamin E was 100% inadequate and presented a mild correlation (r = 0.197) with MDA, a redox status marker. No correlation was observed among MPO, CRP, and the dietary intake of vitamin E.

The dietary intake of vitamin E was related to MDA as the marker of redox status.