The following answer was generated through consultation within the prevention workstream of the wasting TWG

A healthy, balanced diet can support the body to prevent, fight and recover from infection. No foods or dietary supplements can fully prevent or cure COVID-19 infection, however healthy diets and good nutrition can support the immune system and reduce the likelihood of developing obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases which are risk factors for complications in the COVID 19 disease).
The nutrient needs of individuals are different at the various stages of their lives (life cycle). Because of their specific and/or increased needs, there are groups considered nutritionally vulnerable (pregnant and lactating women, children under two, adolescents’ girls, elderly, sick people, etc.).

For infants and young children, a healthy and protective diet means exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months, with the introduction of nutritious and safe foods to complement breastmilk from the age of six months. Optimal maternal nutrition will benefit the health and well-being of the infants and young children (from foetal growth and development to the child’s second birthday – 1000 days).

Based on available evidence, WHO recommendations on the initiation and continued breastfeeding of infants and young children also apply to mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

The following maternal, infant and young child nutrition (MIYCN) messaging can be used during counselling:
• Early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth will protect the newborn from acquiring infections and will reduce newborn mortality
• Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life has many benefits for the infant as it offers protection against gastrointestinal infections
• Introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods at six months together with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond. Start with small amounts of food and increase the quantity, consistency, variety and frequency as the child gets older. The energy needs and the frequency of complementary foods for breastfed infants are approximately 200kcal/day at 6-8 months, 300kcal/day at 9-11 months and 550kcal/day at 12-23 months. Meals should be provided 2-3 times/day at 6-8 months and 3-4 times per day from 9-24 months of age, with additional nutritious snacks (e.g. piece of fruit, bread, chapatti with nut paste, etc.) offered 1-2 times/day
• Practice responsive feeding: a) feed infants directly and assist older children (be sensitive to hunger and satiety cues); b) feed slowly and patiently, encourage but do not force them; c) if children refuse, try different combinations; d) minimize distractions during meals; e) talk to children during feeding, with eye to eye contact
• Breastmilk is an important source of energy and nutrients. It can provide half of a child’s energy needs (ages 6-12 months), and one third of energy needs (ages 12 and 24 months)
• Breastfeeding also benefit mothers, it reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer and helps spacing pregnancies
• Optimal maternal nutrition plays a very important role in foetal growth and development and facilitate good maternal health and birth outcome. PLW would need more than 2700 kcal/day
• The 1000 days period is a critical window to develop a child’s cognitive capacity and physical growth
Diets vary greatly depending on eating habits, culture, season, availability, etc. Overall recommendations from FAO and WHO to maintain healthy diets is to eat a variety of foods within each food group and across all the food groups (depending on context: grains and tubers; pulses; nuts and seeds; fruits and vegetables; dairy; meat, poultry and fish; eggs.). A balance diet will ensure adequate intake of important nutrients and support the immune system. The following messaging on healthy and protective diets could be used during counselling:
• Eat every day a mix of wholegrains like wheat, maize and rice, legumes like lentils and beans, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, with some foods from animal sources
• For a healthy diet, limit the amounts of fats, sugar and salt
• Ensure appropriate hydration drinking plain clean water and avoiding sugary or alcoholic beverages
• Finally, a healthy diet is a balance and safe diet, so practicing good hygiene and proper food handling is also important. Remember to wash your hands with clean water and soap before and after handling and storing food purchased. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water specially if you eat them raw.

Recognising that healthy diets are dependent on enabling food systems, the focus should be on promoting adequate and healthy diets that meet nutrient needs through ensuring availability, physical access, affordability of and demand for nutritious food. Equally important, helping build capacity and confidence for families to plan, purchase and prepare nutritious diets for their family is crucial. Especially important where providing multipurpose cash assistance to promote the prioritisation of nutritious foods (purchasing behaviours) and intra households food allocation practices that prioritise nutritional needs.

Countries may have national food-based dietary guidelines that defines what a healthy diet should be composed of. For more advice FAO has compiled many countries’ Food-based dietary guidelines, you may find your country advice here: www.fao.org/nutrition/education/food-dietary-guidelines/en/

These recommendations should be adapted to the context and national policies.