Research

Micronutrients & recovery

Adequate protein intake (≥0.8 g/kg body weight) is essential for optimal antibody production and immune cell function, whereas very low protein status increases infection risk and mortality.

Ensure you are eating at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. This amount is necessary to produce antibodies and support immune cells. If you are elderly or recovering from illness, you may benefit from slightly higher intake, but do not neglect protein as a basic immune defense.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
sufficient protein intake is crucial for optimal antibody production. Low protein status due to low protein intake, i.e., below the recommended 0.8 g/kg body weight as proposed by the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), has been well recognized to increase the risk of infection
Mohammed Iddir et al. · Nutrients · 2020

Why this rating

The paper is a review citing multiple animal studies and some human observational data, but lacks large-scale RCTs for general population protein dosing in infection contexts.

Source

Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Diet and Nutrition: Considerations during the COVID-19 Crisis

Mohammed Iddir et al. · Nutrients · 2020

narrative_reviewCited 788×
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