An Examination of the Vitamins and Supplements Utilized in the Prevention of COVID
Do you worry about getting COVID-19? Have you heard that taking vitamins can protect you from this disease? Since this is a new disease, many studies are underway to find these answers.
Keep reading to learn the latest information about vitamins and COVID.
Taking Vitamins May Protect Against COVID
It’s always better to prevent an infection than fight one. Some vitamins regulate immune cell growth and function. Others are antioxidants that also support the immune system.
Eating a high-nutrient diet improves your health. Yet, many people have trouble getting enough nutrients from their diet. That’s why adding supplements and vitamins helps boost your immune function.
Many studies are testing the role of vitamins and supplements in reducing your COVID risk. A BMJ of Nutrition, Prevention & Health study was released in April 2021. The researchers used an app to collect data from volunteers in the U.S., Sweden, and the UK.
Their volunteer participant sample sizes were:
- 372,720 UK
- 45,757 US
- 27,373 Sweden
They evaluated if vitamin supplements affected SARS-CoV-2 infection rates. Women taking omega-3 fatty acids, multivitamins, Vitamin D, or probiotics had slightly lower COVID rates.
There were no significant findings among male subjects. Further trials continue to test these results.
Suggested Vitamins and Vitamin Dosages to Reduce COVID Risk
Based on current research, several vitamins may help prevent COVID. The following provides an overview to help you make informed decisions.
Zinc
One of the essential trace elements in the human body is zinc. Low levels can decrease the immune system function making it easier to get an infection. Experts report an increased risk for contracting SARS-CoV-2 in those with a zinc deficiency.
Only a few randomized controlled studies have looked at zinc and COVID. But, several trials are in the planning stages and some are currently running.
Mechanism of Action
Your body needs Zinc to make and activate T-lymphocytes. These cells lead the fight against viral infections.
The lining inside of the nose and airways in your lungs have hairlike cells called cilia. Airway mucus and cilia trap particles like the COVID virus and work to remove them from the body. COVID infections damage these cells and their movement.
Zinc helps boost cilia function. It makes the bronchial cilia bronchi longer, increases the number, and makes them beat faster. This helps move infectious particles out of the body.
Zinc also binds to the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and reduces their activity. The SARS-CoV-2 enters cells that are making ACE-2. Thus, zinc helps stop the spread of COVID interfering with the ACE-2.
Take Zinc supplements daily to keep the levels needed to boost biological functions. Only 20 to 40 percent of this mineral gets absorbed in the gut. The recommended dosage is zinc picolinate 30mg and zinc bisglycinate 30mg once or twice daily.
Vitamin D3
Currently, there’s no research evidence showing vitamin D’s role in COVID prevention. Yet, experts believe vitamin D helps the body’s immune system fight COVID.
Several observational studies show a link between vitamin D intake and COVID. Well-designed randomized controlled trials with appropriate follow-up are now in process.
Mechanism of Action
Vitamin D helps bind calcitriol to its nuclear vitamin D receptor. These receptors are present in many different types of cells. This makes vitamin D essential to cell function throughout the body.
The recommended dose for Vitamin D3 is 5,000IU daily and 50,000IU weekly.
Vitamin C
Since 1930, clinical observations have supported vitamin C to prevent and treat pneumonia. Clinical trials now report lower death rates from severe pneumonia and breathing problems.
In one study, intensive care unit patients taking vitamin C had shorter stays. This was compared to patients who weren’t given vitamin C. Current registered trials are looking at vitamin C’s therapeutic benefit for COVID patients.
Mechanism of Action
Vitamin C is vital to immune cell function. This includes making more and different types of these cells. Vitamin C’s powerful antioxidant properties decrease factors that cause swelling.
In severe pneumonia and COVID-induced lung disease, significant swelling occurs. This interferes with the exchange of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.
When the immune system breaks down, bacteria grow and get into the bloodstream. This can lead to sepsis which is often fatal. The lungs and organs may also become overwhelmed and fail.
The recommended dosage for Vitamin C is 1,000mg twice daily.
Quercetin (Quecenase®)
Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds present in plants. Several of these phytochemicals stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus from attaching to host cells. This means they can’t get in and cause illness.
Studies show that dietary patterns impact the spread of viruses like COVID. Observers report that populations with high phytochemical intake have fewer COVID deaths.
Mechanism of Action
Quercetin is a natural phytochemical. It easily binds to human ACE-2 receptors.
This can help block the SARS-CoV-2 from entering ACE-2 cells. It’s key to understand that this theory needs further study to prove that it works in patients.
The recommended dosage for Quercetin is 250mg twice daily.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
One double-blind, placebo-controlled study looked at NAC’s impact on immune cells. The results showed an increased number of lymphocyte cells. These are the white blood cells that are vital for normal immune responses.
Mechanism of Action
NAC is an amino acid that boosts lung function and removes toxins from the liver and kidneys. It thins the lung mucus to promote gas exchange. NAC also improves immune system function and is a potent antioxidant.
The recommended dosage of NAC is 500mg twice daily.
Aspirin
In March 2021, an Israeli peer-reviewed study was published. It included over 10,000 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID test samples. Patients taking small doses of aspirin had 29 percent fewer positive tests.
The researchers cross-referenced 10,477 results with their medical records. This allowed them to identify those who took aspirin before COVID testing.
They also found the patients already taking aspirin who contracted COVID recovered quicker. Aspirin users’ disease course was about two to three days shorter. There need to be more studies of aspirin’s protective role in COVID’s long-term problems.
Mechanism of Action
Aspirin decreases swelling, reduces blood clots, and clumping of antiplatelets. This may help prevent COVID from taking hold and harming the body.
The recommended dosage for aspirin is 325mg daily.
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This article discussed the potential benefits of taking vitamins to prevent COVID. Compounding Corner Pharmacy is a family-owned business in Sugar Land, Texas. We offer supplements, bio-identical, ophthalmic, dermatologic, sterile, and veterinary compounds.
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