The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has put a spotlight on the important role nutrition has in supporting the immune system relative to viruses such as this. Even before the pandemic, ASN addressed the important gains related to public health and disease prevention possible through nutrition research with the media and on Capitol Hill.
More recently, ASN has been actively engaged in broader public health dialogue and advocacy on behalf of economic stimulus packages to help millions of Americans gain access to continuous nutrition programs during this critical period and to support nonprofits and small businesses potentially impacted by COVID-19.
As inaccuracies related to immune boosting powers of certain nutrients or supplements circulate, ASN is committed to ensuring that only science-based factual messages are being conveyed by our digital and in-person communication channels. We are leveraging our expertise in nutrition to make positive contributions to the public health response by ensuring access to relevant information and adding context on the importance of nutrition for immune response. Read a recent article on how to stay healthy during the coronavirus pandemic here.
Nutrition has an important role in supporting the immune system and maintaining proper immune function, and while there is no evidence that nutrition prevents or lessens the effects of COVID-19, ASN continues to promote the importance of nutrition in overall health. Below are resources on nutrition and immune function from ASN publications and meetings that we will continue to build.
Resources on Nutrition and Immune Support from American Society for Nutrition
Oxford University Press Resources on Coronavirus
The publisher of ASN’s 4 journals, as well as hundreds of other well-respected scientific and medical journals, has curated a free collection of peer-reviewed content related to the coronavirus. This collection includes content from Advances in Nutrition, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and The Journal of Nutrition.
Nutrient Information Collection from Advances in Nutrition
As we consider nutritional advice during the global pandemic, these articles from Advances in Nutrition provide concise summaries of essential facts about nutrients: food sources, diet recommendations, deficiencies, toxicity, clinical uses, recent researches, and references for further information on micro- and macronutrients.
Articles from ASN Journals on Nutrition and Immune Response
A new collection of research from ASN’s journals on nutrition and immune response will be available soon and free to all users.
Making Health and Nutrition a Priority During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Read a recent article by ASN members on how to maintain health and nutritious eating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional Resources Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Families First Coronavirus Reponse Act
ASN called for important nutrition provisions within the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, and continues to be engaged in the public health dialogue for future stimulus packages. ASN will continue to actively provide timely information from the federal agencies and other organizations to our members such as grant deadline extensions due to the outbreak.
ASN’s Letter to Congress
ASN sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging that associations, non-profit organizations, and other tax-exempt organizations be included within any additional economic stimulus packages or supplemental appropriations measures related to COVID-19 soon after passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, as well as funding for Federal nutrition programs to help the many families and individuals suffering from food insecurity during this time.
The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), which ASN is a member of, also sent a letter to Congress seeking relief for nonprofits affected by COVID-19 prior to passage of the $8.3 billion Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.
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