Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pathophysiological processes involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases; thus, anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant agents that modulate redox balance have become research targets so as to evaluate their molecular mechanisms of action and therapeutic properties. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid of the xanthophyll group, has potent antioxidant properties due to its molecular structure and its arrangement in the plasma membrane, factors that favor the neutralization of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This carotenoid also has prominent anti‑inflammatory activity, possibly interrelated with its antioxidant effect, and is also involved in the modulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. Considering the potential beneficial effects of astaxanthin on cardiovascular health evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies, the aim of the present review was to describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with the antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties of this carotenoid in cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. The beneficial properties and safety profile of astaxanthin indicate that this compound may be used for preventing progression or as an adjuvant in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Aging is characterized by significant physiological changes, with the degree of decline varying significantly among individuals. The preservation of intrinsic capacity over the course of an individual’s lifespan is fundamental for healthy aging. Locomotion, which entails the capacity for independent movement, is intricately connected with various dimensions of human life, including cognition, vitality, sensory perception, and psychological well-being. Notably, skeletal muscle functions as a pivotal nexus within this intricate framework. Any perturbation in its functionality can manifest as compromised physical performance and an elevated susceptibility to frailty. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a central role in approximately 800 biochemical reactions within the human body. Its distinctive physical and chemical attributes render it an indispensable stabilizing factor in the orchestration of diverse cellular reactions and organelle functions, thereby rendering it irreplaceable in processes directly impacting muscle health. This narrative review offers a comprehensive exploration of the pivotal role played by magnesium in maintaining skeletal muscle integrity, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining optimal magnesium levels for promoting healthy aging.

Some nutrients play key roles in maintaining the integrity and function of the immune system, presenting synergistic actions in steps determinant for the immune response. Among these elements, zinc and vitamins C and D stand out for having immunomodulatory functions and for playing roles in preserving physical tissue barriers. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, nutrients that can optimize the immune system to prevent or lower the risk of severe progression and prognosis of this viral infection become relevant. Thus, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the roles of zinc and vitamins C and D in the immune response to viral infections, focusing on the synergistic action of these nutrients in the maintenance of physical tissue barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes. The evidence found in the literature shows that deficiency of one or more of these three elements compromises the immune response, making an individual more vulnerable to viral infections and to a worse disease prognosis. Thus, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the adequate intake of zinc and vitamins C and D may represent a promising pharmacological tool due to the high demand for these nutrients in the case of contact with the virus and onset of the inflammatory process. Ongoing clinical trials will help to clarify the role of these nutrients for COVID-19 management.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), was identified in December, 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since then, it has continued to spread rapidly in numerous countries, while the search for effective therapeutic options persists. Coronaviruses, including SARS‑CoV‑2, are known to suppress and evade the antiviral responses of the host organism mediated by interferon (IFN), a family of cytokines that plays an important role in antiviral defenses associated with innate immunity, and has been used therapeutically for chronic viral diseases and cancer. On the other hand, OncoTherad, a safe and effective immunotherapeutic agent in the treatment of non‑muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), increases IFN signaling and has been shown to be a promising therapeutic approach for COVID‑19 in a case report that described the rapid recovery of a 78‑year‑old patient with NMIBC with comorbidities. The present review discusses the possible synergistic action of OncoTherad with vitamin D, zinc and glutamine, nutrients that have been shown to facilitate immune responses mediated by IFN signaling, as well as the potential of this combination as a therapeutic option for COVID‑19.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are highly effective in the management of obesity; however, their efficacy and tolerability may be further optimized through complementary nutritional strategies. Such interventions may address key challenges associated with GLP-1RA therapy, including gastrointestinal adverse effects, lean mass loss, and reduced long-term adherence leading to weight regain. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies indicates that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may enhance the metabolic benefits of GLP-1RAs and attenuate lean mass loss, primarily via anti-inflammatory pathways and modulation of protein synthesis. Synergistic effects have also been reported with other bioactive compounds—such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which improve metabolic outcomes; probiotics and prebiotics, which may alleviate gastrointestinal intolerance; and high-quality protein sources, which support body composition preservation. Collectively, these findings suggest that nutritional adjuncts may complement GLP-1RA therapies through convergent physiological mechanisms, including the regulation of inflammation, gut microbiome composition, and cellular metabolism. While current data highlight the promise of integrated pharmaco-nutritional strategies as adjuncts to GLP-1-based obesity therapy, further randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the most effective interventions and protocols.

Krill oil (KO) is a marine-derived nutritional ingredient distinguished by its unique structural composition and increasing relevance in human nutrition, particularly in the context of healthy aging and preservation of intrinsic capacity. Approximately 30–65% of its fatty acids are esterified to phospholipids, a molecular configuration associated with enhanced bioavailability and efficient tissue incorporation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, even at relatively low doses. Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) originates from minimally impacted marine ecosystems, contributing to a favorable safety profile characterized by inherently low levels of environmental contaminants, including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Beyond its structural and safety attributes, KO provides a complex nutrient matrix comprising approximately 25% total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including ~14% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and ~6.5% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), together with choline and astaxanthin. This compositional synergy may modulate inflammatory pathways, redox balance, membrane dynamics, and cellular signaling, thereby influencing physiological systems implicated in aging biology. This narrative review critically examines how these distinctive characteristics translate into clinically relevant outcomes supporting the multifunctional applications of KO in human nutrition. The analysis is structured within the framework of intrinsic capacity, encompassing locomotion, vitality, sensory, cognition and psychological dimensions, as a conceptual model for healthy aging. Considerations on bioavailability, tolerability, and sustainability are also discussed in the context of nutritional strategies promoting healthy longevity.