Persistent malnutrition after COVID-19 infection may worsen outcomes, including delayed recovery and increased risk of rehospitalization. This study aimed to determine dietary intakes and nutrient distribution patterns after acute COVID-19 illness. Findings were also compared to national standards for intake of energy, protein, fruit, and vegetables, as well as protein intake distribution recommendations. Participants (≥18 years old, n = 92) were enrolled after baseline visit at the Post-COVID Recovery Clinic. The broad screening battery included nutritional assessment and 24-h dietary recall. Participants were, on average, 53 years old, 63% female, 69% non-Hispanic White, and 59% obese/morbidly obese. Participants at risk for malnutrition (48%) experienced significantly greater symptoms, such as gastric intestinal issues, loss of smell, loss of taste, or shortness of breath; in addition, they consumed significantly fewer calories. Most participants did not meet recommendations for fruit or vegetables. Less than 39% met the 1.2 g/kg/day proposed optimal protein intake for recovery from illness. Protein distribution throughout the day was skewed; only 3% met the recommendation at all meals, while over 30% never met the threshold at any meal. Our findings highlight the need for nutritional education and support for patients to account for lingering symptoms and optimize recovery after COVID-19 infection.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, coronavirus, Malnutrition, dietary recall, eating pattern, 【초록키워드】 risk, Symptom, Symptoms, outcomes, Protein, COVID-19 infection, female, Patient, recall, persistent, threshold, distribution, recommendations, Support, dietary intake, Loss of Smell, increased risk, average, clinic, obese, loss of taste, white, participant, finding, National, MOST, recommendation, rehospitalization, intestinal, highlight, acute COVID-19 illness, calories, greater, enrolled, significantly, addition, determine, baseline, 【제목키워드】 Impact, persistent, Indicator,