What is the Best Protein for COVID Patients? A Nutritional Guide

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

During a COVID-19 infection, the body breaks down muscle protein to create new proteins for the immune system, leading to muscle weakness and wasting. Providing the body with what is the best protein for COVID patients is therefore a critical component for tissue repair and immune function during and after the illness.

Quick Summary

Adequate protein intake is essential for COVID-19 patients to repair body tissues, support immune cells, and regain muscle mass lost during the infection. The best approach involves consuming a variety of high-quality animal and plant-based protein sources, supplemented as needed.

Key Points

Prioritize High Protein Intake: The body needs extra protein during and after COVID-19 to repair tissue and rebuild muscle mass lost due to infection and inactivity.
Choose Easily Digested Sources: For patients with low appetite, easily digestible proteins like whey shakes or lean poultry broth are beneficial.
Combine Plant-Based Proteins: Relying on different plant protein sources, such as beans, lentils, and nuts, ensures a complete profile of essential amino acids.
Supplements Can Help: If solid food is difficult, protein shakes or meal replacement drinks can provide necessary calories and protein.
Don't Forget the Gut: Include fermented foods and fiber to support a healthy gut microbiome, which is vital for immune function and recovery.
Address Fatigue with Nutrient-Dense Foods: Patients with fatigue should opt for small, frequent meals and shakes to maximize nutrient intake without overwhelming their energy levels.
Integrate Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Protein sources like fish, rich in omega-3s, and plant-based foods full of antioxidants help combat inflammation.

Why Protein is Crucial for COVID-19 Recovery

When your body is fighting an infection like COVID-19, it experiences significant physiological stress. This state requires more energy and protein than usual to support a robust immune response. During this process, the body can draw on its own protein stores, primarily from muscle tissue, to fuel the production of new immune cells and antibodies. This catabolic state is a major reason why many individuals lose weight and feel weaker during and after illness, particularly those who were immobile or critically ill. Restoring this lost protein is paramount to rebuilding strength and aiding recovery. Beyond muscle repair, certain amino acids found in protein, such as arginine and glutamine, play specific roles in modulating the immune system and repairing gut health, which is often compromised during infection. A deficiency in protein can directly impair immune function, making adequate intake an indispensable part of recuperation.

Optimal Protein Sources for COVID Patients

There is no single 'best' protein for every COVID patient, as individual needs, tolerance, and symptoms vary. Instead, a diverse intake of high-quality protein sources is recommended to ensure all essential amino acids are consumed. For those with a reduced appetite or difficulty chewing, liquid protein sources may be preferable.

Animal-Based Proteins

Whey Protein: This dairy-derived protein is highly bioavailable and easily digested, making it an excellent option for patients struggling with appetite. Certain bioactive components in whey, such as lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, have shown potential antiviral and immunomodulatory effects against SARS-CoV-2 in some studies. Whey can be consumed via protein shakes, particularly helpful for meeting increased daily needs when solid food is difficult.
Fish and Seafood: Rich in high-quality, easily digestible protein, fish also provides immune-supportive nutrients like zinc and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are particularly beneficial.
Lean Meats and Poultry: Chicken and turkey are excellent sources of lean protein and zinc. Easy-to-prepare chicken noodle soup, for instance, provides fluids, protein, and nutrients in a comforting format.
Eggs and Dairy: Eggs are a complete protein source containing all essential amino acids and are rich in antioxidants and vitamins important for recovery. Dairy products like full-fat yogurt and cheese also provide protein and valuable nutrients.

Plant-Based Proteins

Legumes, Beans, and Pulses: This category includes lentils, beans, peas, and chickpeas, which are abundant in protein, iron, and zinc. Combining different legumes throughout the day helps ensure a complete amino acid profile.
Soy Products: Tofu and edamame are complete, easily digestible protein sources, and tofu can be prepared in various soft, flavorful ways suitable for a sensitive appetite.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, and minerals like zinc. Nut butters can be an easy way to add calories and protein to smoothies or toast.
Sprouts: Mung bean and chickpea sprouts increase protein and nutrient levels compared to their unsprouted forms, while also being easy to digest.

Comparison of Key Protein Sources


Feature	Animal Protein (e.g., Whey)	Plant Protein (e.g., Legumes)	Whole Foods (Balanced Diet)
Completeness	Complete amino acid profile.	Can be incomplete; requires combining sources for all essential amino acids.	Provides a full spectrum from diverse sources.
Digestibility	Highly bioavailable and fast-digesting.	Generally slower to digest due to fiber content.	Varies depending on the specific food.
Preparation	Can be convenient via shakes and powders.	Requires more preparation but can be adapted easily.	Involves cooking, but can be managed with easy recipes.
Nutrient Density	High in protein per serving; may offer specific bioactives like lactoferrin.	Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals; lower fat.	The most comprehensive and holistic nutritional option.
Use Case	Ideal for low appetite or supplementing intake.	Great for gut health, inflammation reduction, and overall wellness.	The recommended long-term strategy for recovery.

Maximizing Protein and Nutrient Intake During Recovery

Focus on Nutrient-Dense Drinks: For patients with severe fatigue, swallowing difficulties, or loss of appetite, consuming calories through liquids is often easier. Smoothies incorporating whey or plant protein powder, Greek yogurt, fruits, and nuts can be highly effective.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, aim for 5-6 smaller meals and snacks throughout the day. This reduces the burden on the digestive system and makes it more manageable to meet calorie and protein targets.
Boost Every Meal: Fortify your food with extra protein and calories. Add cheese to scrambled eggs, sprinkle ground nuts on oatmeal, or stir skimmed milk powder into regular milk or soup.
Embrace Strong Flavors: A loss of taste and smell is common with COVID-19. Incorporating stronger, natural flavors like herbs, spices, and lime juice can make meals more appealing and encourage eating.
Support Gut Health: A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for immune function. Fermented foods like yogurt and kefir provide probiotics, while whole grains, fruits, and vegetables offer prebiotics to support a healthy gut.
Address Weight Loss: For those with significant weight loss, regaining calories is just as important as protein. Don't focus on low-fat, low-sugar versions of foods; opt for full-fat, energy-dense options to support weight restoration.

Conclusion: A Diverse Approach to Optimal Protein Intake

Ultimately, the best protein for COVID patients is not a single food item but a diversified diet strategy that provides a sufficient amount of high-quality protein from both animal and plant sources. This approach ensures a full spectrum of amino acids and complementary nutrients crucial for recovery. The protein requirements are often higher than usual, and dietary choices should be adapted to the patient's symptoms, whether it's consuming liquids due to fatigue or choosing stronger flavors for a compromised sense of taste. For those recovering from long-COVID or severe illness, sustained nutritional support, potentially including supplementation, is essential for reversing muscle loss and restoring long-term health. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. For more in-depth information, you can review nutritional guidelines from the [World Health Organization(https://www.emro.who.int/nutrition/covid-19/nutrition-advice-for-adults-during-the-covid-19-outbreak.html)].

Frequently Asked Questions

Protein is the building block for all cells, including immune cells. During an infection, your body breaks down muscle to get protein, which can cause weakness. Replenishing this protein is vital for immune function, tissue repair, and rebuilding lost muscle.

Yes, protein shakes can be very helpful, especially for patients with a low appetite, chewing difficulties, or fatigue. They provide a concentrated source of protein and calories in an easy-to-consume form, ensuring nutritional needs are met when solid food is unappealing.

Yes, a well-planned, plant-based diet can provide sufficient protein. It is important to combine different sources like legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains throughout the day to ensure all essential amino acids are consumed. Plant-based diets also offer fiber and antioxidants that aid recovery.

Try consuming smaller, more frequent meals or snacks throughout the day. Focus on nutrient-dense, easy-to-eat options like smoothies, soups, and yogurt. Boosting foods with extra calories and protein, such as adding protein powder or nuts, can also help.

Adequate protein intake is important for rebuilding muscle mass and energy levels, both of which can be affected by long COVID. Proper nutrition, combined with rest and gradual exercise, is a key strategy for managing post-viral fatigue.

Whey protein is highly digestible and provides a complete amino acid profile. Some studies suggest that specific components within whey, like lactoferrin, may have antiviral and immunomodulatory properties that benefit recovery, especially in critically ill patients.

While a balanced diet is the best source of nutrients, supplements can fill gaps, especially for those with reduced intake. Vitamins like C, D, and B-complex, along with minerals such as zinc, are important for immune function. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements.