From ASPEN’s Website
As Chris Cuomo from CNN shares his battle with the coronavirus — reporting that he lost 13 pounds in 3 days — it’s never more apparent that nutrition and hydration are key weapons in the fight against COVID-19.

Mr. Cuomo’s struggle is the norm, as only around 12% of patients with COVID-19 are hospitalized.¹ Patients managing their illness at home have limited or no guidance on nutrition and hydration management, which are simple but essential weapons for fighting COVID-19.

With infections, the body must work intensely to mount an immune response; then, work overtime to heal and rebuild damaged tissues. Significant and quick weight loss is due to: a) large fluid losses from the fever, coughing, vomiting and/or diarrhea; and b) muscle breakdown due to the body using protein for energy. The body needs fluid and nutrition to enable it to fight the virus and prevent cannibalizing itself when providing the substrates needed for the fight.

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) has created the resources below to help patients optimize their fight against COVID-19. We hope you will share them with your audience. You can find more resources for healthcare professionals at nutritioncare.org/COVID19.
Nutrition and Hydration: Key Weapons in the Fight Against COVID-19. This includes home recipes for a rehydration solution and a high protein shake.
Nutrition and Hydration: Quick Facts for COVID-19 Patients.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions.  Sincerely,  Stephanie LeeASPENCommunications Director301-920-9124  1. Razzaghi H, The CDC COVID-19 Response Team. Severe outcomes among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — United States, February 12–March 16, 2020. 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69:343-346.

About ASPEN The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) is dedicated to improving patient care by advancing the science and practice of nutrition support therapy and metabolism. Founded in 1976, ASPEN is an interdisciplinary organization whose members are involved in the provision of clinical nutrition therapies, including parenteral and enteral nutrition. With more than 6,000 members from around the world, ASPEN is a community of dietitians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physicians, scientists, students and other health professionals from every facet of nutrition support clinical practice, research and education. For more information about ASPEN, please visit nutritioncare.org.