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Supplements and COVID-19 Supplements and COVID-19 We’ve been getting a lot of questions about what supplements can help to boost immunity, especially associated with COVID-19. We cannot stress enough that first and foremost, hand hygiene, wearing a mask, and physical distancing are the most important things you can be doing right now to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. To properly wash your hands, use warm water and soap and wash for at least 20 seconds, or for as long as it takes you to sing “happy birthday to you” twice. Another thing to be mindful of is to avoid contact with your face and your eyes. Often times, people are asymptomatic, so by wearing a mask you, can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Physical distancing is also recommended. The CDC recommends to maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and others. For the most up to date guidance on how to protect yourself, check out the CDC website here. Supplements and COVID-19 Some supplements that may help boost immunity include: Vitamin C: May help reduce the severity and duration For some individuals, supplements may be a helpful of a cold, especially if you start taking vitamin C prior to addition, but should not replace a healthy diet. All of these feeling ill. 500 mg- 1000 mg of Vitamin C twice a day is a immune-boosting nutrients can be obtained from eating typical starting dose to try to help boost immunity. People a wide variety of whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, with kidney issues should use with caution as Vitamin C is whole grains, legumes, low fat dairy, lean meats and fish. eliminated by the kidneys. These foods also contain other beneficial micronutrients, fiber, protein, healthy fats, and protective antioxidants. The Zinc: May have some anti-viral properties. Doses of 15-30 research is also unclear whether supplements offer the same mg of zinc per day are presumed to be safe, short term, for protective benefit as the foods from which they are derived. one to two weeks. Zinc can interact with other medications Seeking out the support of a registered dietitian can help you (antibiotics and antivirals), and long term use of high doses of personalize a healthy eating pattern that works best for you. zinc can cause copper deficiency. Although these supplements have some evidence to suggest Vitamin D: May help reduce the number of respiratory boosted immunity with their use, we do not have solid illnesses, especially for those who are deficient. data to indicate they can reduce the risks associated with Supplementing with 1,000-2,000 international units per day COVID-19. Please also note these doses are for adult patients. may be beneficial. Vitamin D levels can be monitored, it is We do not have enough literature to support this use in the recommended to not exceed blood levels of 50 nanograms/ pediatric population. milliliter of Vitamin D. As always, it is best to check with your healthcare provider Quercetin: A naturally occurring antioxidant/flavonoid or pharmacist before starting any new supplement(s) to that may have benefits for allergic rhinitis and possibly in avoid any possible drug- drug interactions, or drug-herbal 1 exercise-induced respiratory infections . Quercetin may interactions. interact with some antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) and could also interact with You can find these supplements and many more at Vivo other medications that are metabolized through your liver Health Pharmacies or at local retailers. system known as the cytochrome p450 enzyme system (3A4 and 2C9). These drugs may include warfarin, midazolam, cyclosporine, drugs known as the “statins” (atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin), medications known Nina Chhabra, PharmD, BCPS is a specialist for as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, Northwell Health’s outpatient pharmacy, Vivo Health diclofenac, naproxen), tamoxifen, and possibly losartan. Pharmacy. If you have any questions related to vitamins, There is also a possibility it may interact in those individuals minerals, or dietary supplements, you can email with hypothyroidism. Use with caution in these patients. [email protected]. Doses of 500 mg twice daily have been studied and shown to be possibly safe for up to twelve weeks. Bromelain: An enzyme that comes from the stalk of the pineapple. It has shown to have some activity in reducing symptoms for acute sinusitis2. It can, however, interact with blood thinners such as warfarin, and also certain antibiotics Please note the above uses have not been evaluated by the Food and such as tetracyclines. Use with caution for these agents3. Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consumers should consult with their health Bromelain is measured in GDU (gelatin digestion units) and care provider before taking any new medication or dietary supplement— 4 provides 2,400 GDU per gram . Doses of bromelain may especially pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 18, and individuals 5 range from 200 mg- 2000 mg per day . with a known medical condition. W410548-9-20.
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