Supplements are not a primary defense against viruses and there is no single supplement that will "boost" your immune system. But supplements can be a part of an overall immune system health regimen, and may help reduce the risk and severity of illnesses.
Here are four supplements that may help avoid an illness or suffer a less severe case if you get one, as recommended by Dr Joseph Feuerstein, MD, assistant professor of clinical medicine at Columbia University and director of Integrative Medicine at Stamford Health in CT. Recommended doses are per day.
Vitamin D - 2,000 to 4,000 IU. Studies show a high correlation between COVID-19 mortality and Vitamin D deficiency. The amount you should take depends on your current blood level. So check with your doctor.
Vitamin C - 500 to 1,000 mg. Research suggests vitamin C has a stimulative effect on the cells of the immune system.
Zinc - 30 to 50 mg. Zinc can help inhibit viral replication. Be advised that high doses taken for months may produce a copper deficiency.
Malatonin - 3 to 6 mg. In addition to helping to get a restful sleep, melatonin has anti-inflammatory effects on the lungs.
Dr. Feuerstein recommends avoiding the following if you already are infected by a virus - elderberry, quercetin and echinacea. They can overstimulate the immune system which can be dangerous in the later stages of an infection.
Supplements are no magic bullet, but they may possibly give you an edge. As always, discuss your program with your doctor or other healthcare provider.
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