A new study by researchers at The University of Toledo, Ohio, has found that taking immune-boosting supplements or multivitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, cannot treat COVID-19, according to Science Daily.
At the beginning of the pandemic, many health providers tried prescribing a variety of supplements or multivitamins as potential therapies for the COVID-19 illness. In fact, some providers are promoting supplements as an alternative to clinically proven vaccines.
However, the study’s lead author Dr. Azizullah Beran said there has been little evidence those strategies work.
He said, “A lot of people have this misconception that if you load up on zinc, vitamin D, or vitamin C, it can help the clinical outcome of COVID-19.”
Dr. Beran and his team reviewed 26 peer-reviewed studies that included more than 5,600 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized.
The researchers, who published their findings in the journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, found no reduction in mortality for those who were treated with supplements containing vitamin C, vitamin D, or zinc.
However, they found that vitamin D could be associated with lower rates of shorter hospital stays and mechanical ventilation. The researchers said more studies are needed to validate this finding. Zinc and vitamin C and not associated with shorter hospital stays or needing a ventilator.
The study’s senior author Dr. Ragheb Assaly said, “It’s important for people to understand that taking a lot of these supplements does not translate into better outcomes. The other important message is that the answer to this disease is the vaccine. Micronutrient supplements will not offset the lack of vaccination or make you not need the vaccine.”
The investigators cautioned that the study does not say multivitamins or mineral supplements are bad or should be avoided, but they said the findings interpret that they are ineffective at preventing COVID-19 deaths.
Dr. Beran and Dr. Assaly explained that some patients with COVID-19 who are malnourished or have nutritional deficiencies may benefit from taking supplements.
Multivitamins and supplements may help such patients because their bodies already lack essential micro- and macro-nutrients.
Dr. Beran said, “What we’re saying is this: If you don’t medically need these supplements, don’t take them thinking they’re protective against COVID-19. They’re not going to prevent you from getting it and they’re not going to prevent you from dying.”
