Vitamin E and Immune System: A Protective Nutrient Against Influenza and COVID-19 in Elderly Humans

Older adults have relatively weak immune and antioxidant systems and thus, are more vulnerable to viral infections especially respiratory tract infections as compared to younger adults. Recent reports of high mortality rate due to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the elderly population are suggestive that perhaps a compromised antioxidant status might be contributing to increased virulence in elderly people. Since vitamin E insufficiency is common in old age, it is conceivable that low vitamin E status could be among the factors causing high mortality in elderly people suffering from influenza and COVID-19 infections. Recent studies have shown an immune-boosting role of supplemental vitamin E along with other antioxidants against respiratory tract viral infections. Therefore, the objective of this review is to examine and discuss the data pertaining to the effects of vitamin E on boosting the immune response against respiratory tract viral infections such as influenza and COVID-19 in elderly individuals.