Exploring the Causal Effects of Micronutrient Supplementation on Susceptibility to Viral Pneumonia: A Mendelian Randomization Study

TL;DR

This study uses genetic data to show that vitamin B6 protects against viral pneumonia, while selenium increases risk.

Contribution

The study provides causal evidence on the role of micronutrient supplementation in viral pneumonia susceptibility using Mendelian randomization.

Findings

Vitamin B6 supplementation is a protective factor against viral pneumonia.

Selenium supplementation increases the risk of viral pneumonia.

Abstract

Viral infections have been a severe challenge for global public health, and viral pneumonia is becoming increasingly critical in the post-pandemic era. Observational and basic studies have demonstrated a strong link between host nutrient status and anti-viral immune responses, and nutritional supplements were shown to improve the prognosis of viral infectious diseases. However, there is limited research on the relationship between essential micronutrients and the susceptibility to viral pneumonia. In addition, current studies are often confounded by biases and reverse causality, undermining their reliability. In this study, to fill the gap, we employed Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal relationship between supplementation of vitamins and minerals and the susceptibility to viral pneumonia. Our analysis found that vitamin B6 is a protective factor against viral pneumonia, while selenium supplementation is a risk factor. These findings provide insights for the use of dietary supplements and the prevention and control of viral pneumonia, especially when micronutrient supplementation is used as an adjunctive therapy for viral infections.

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