When you have an infection or breathing problems, your body needs more calories, protein and fluid than usual.
The leaflets listed below will give you information about eating and drinking while you have COVID-19 and when you are recovering.
COVID – 19: Why nutrition matters – a summary of what we know about food, drink and COVID-19
For information about how to meet increased fluid needs due to COVID-19 symptoms, please click here.
If you have lost your appetite please click these links below:
If you are finding it difficult to eat, and would prefer nourishing drinks, the leaflet Nourishing drinks, may be useful to you.
Some people with COVID-19 experience loss of taste or smell. The dietetic service leaflet Loss of taste, gives tips on eating and drinking at this time.
When you have recovered, eating well, and back to your normal weight, find more information on eating healthy by clicking here.
You will also find a selection of evidence based leaflets on The British Dietetics Association Website.
Malnutrition
Unintentional weight loss due to disease or infection is not good, whatever someones initial body weight is.
To find out if you are are risk of malnutrition, please click here.
Vitamin D
There have been reports on Social media that Vitamin-D can reduce the risk of getting COVID-19.There is no scientific evidence to support this. However if you are staying indoors most of the day, you will need a supplement of Vitamin-D. For more information refer to the BDA Vitamin-D food fact sheet.
If you need more information, or are experiencing any other problems with eating and drinking, please ask you GP or health & social care worker to refer you to the Dietitian.
Please see below for links to useful documents and websites during COVID-19.
Warwickshire Physical Activity Pack
Vitamin D Food Fact Sheet
Useful Website Links:
Malnutrition Task force Website
COVID Patients Support
BDA UK COVID-19 Website
