First and foremost, some supplements are backed by scientific investigation, and some are pure quackery and have no health benefit, and in instances could cause harm the body. Supplements like calcium, vitamin D, and B-12 have supportive data showing health benefits; however, supplements like comfrey, aristolochic acid, and skullcap could have serious health impacts if taken. Identifying which supplements are safe and beneficial versus those that are dangerous is truly a daunting task.
With the onset of COVID-19, supplements are an area that has not fully been studied; however, theories and observations that common supplements might reduce the severity of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus have lately garnered a bit of attention.
The Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and other healthcare organizations have incorporated a mix of readily available supplements into their COVID -19 management protocol while acknowledging that “there is minimal data (and none specific for COVID-19)” for the supplements combinations.
As a preventive treatment, EVMS recommends vitamin C (500 mg) and quercetin (250 mg-500 mg twice a day) with zinc (75 mg-100 mg per day), melatonin (0.3 mg-2 mg) each night, and vitamin D3 (1,000-4,000 IU per day). Famotidine (20 mg-40 mg per day) may be added to the mix.
If there are mild symptoms of COVID-19, EVMS recommends the above combination of supplements with the optional additions of ivermectin (150 ug-200 ug per kg as a single dose) and one low-dose or regular aspirin per day.
The thinking behind the EVMS recommendations can be found on this link: EVMS_Critical_Care_COVID-19_Protocol.pdf.
Additionally, there is an investigation of whether the regular use of supplements can reduce the risk of testing positive for COVID-19 infections completed in November 2020 by King’s College, St. Thomas’ Hospital Campus in London, England. There were 1.4 million participants in the investigation.
The conclusions drawn from the investigation suggest a significant association between the use of probiotics, omega -3 fatty acid, multivitamin, or vitamin D supplements and a lower risk of testing positive for COVID-19 in women.
No clear benefits for men were observed nor any effect of vitamin C, garlic, or zinc in men or women. The investigation openly states that additional trial work would be required to confirm the observational findings before any recommendations would be made.
The investigative study information can be found on this link: Dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from 1.4M users of the COVID Symptom Study app - a longitudinal app-based community survey | medRxiv
The impact of dietary supplements as a preventative or post-exposure prescription is still under investigation; however, growing data suggest that supplements may be a good preventive measure that individuals can take while considering vaccination options and availability.
Although these supplements may offer benefits for immune health and safety, they should not be used as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
Maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and not smoking are some of the most important ways to help keep your immune system healthy and reduce your chances of infection and disease.
If you decide that you want to try supplements, speak with your primary healthcare provider first, as some supplements may interact with certain medications, or are inappropriate for some people.
The content contained in this blog is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.
Reference Materials:
The prophylaxis and treatment potential of supplements for COVID-19 (nih.gov)
Debunking COVID-19 (coronavirus) myths - Mayo Clinic
Anti-COVID over-the-counter Tripartite Therapy: https://t.co/qchnVb7SqH
Vitamin D/Therapy: https://t.co/o3GI3to7CG
VitaminD/Therapy:https://t.co/7Bj66Lz2H4
Quercetin/Prevention:https://t.co/9xKTJVEEIZ
Estradiol:https://t.co/u8hSn3x5Lu
Common Supplements Might Reduce COVID Severity (uspharmacist.com)
Can Supplements Fight Coronavirus (COVID-19)? 15 Immune Boosters (healthline.com)
Here’s what we know about using supplements to fight COVID-19 | Science News
Study hints that supplements may reduce COVID-19 risk in females (medicalnewstoday.com)