In six countries, plant-based diets or pescatarian diets were associated with lower chances of moderate to severe COVID-19, a study published in BMJ Journals concluded.
Plant-based diets were tied to a 73% lower risk of severe disease, researchers found in a survey of 2,884 healthcare providers who cared for COVID-19 patients.
Under pescatarians, people who eat fish but not meat, researchers found 59% lower odds of severe disease.
These dietary patterns may be considered for protection against severe COVID-19, the study said.
Plant-based diets are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are important for healthy immune systems, the researchers noted.