Vitamin D enhances the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages — white blood cells that are important parts of your immune defense — and decreases inflammation, which helps promote immune response 3.

Many people are deficient in this important vitamin , which may negatively affect immune function. In fact, low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza and allergic asthma 4.

Some studies show that supplementing with vitamin D may improve immune response. In fact, recent research suggests that taking this vitamin may protect against respiratory tract infections. In a review of randomized control studies in 11, people, supplementing with vitamin D significantly decreased the risk of respiratory infections in people deficient in this vitamin and lowered infection risk in those with adequate vitamin D levels 5.

Other studies note that vitamin D supplements may improve response to antiviral treatments in people with certain infections, including hepatitis C and HIV 6 , 7 , 8. Depending on blood levels, anywhere from 1, to 4, IU of supplemental vitamin D per day is sufficient for most people, though those with more serious deficiencies often require much higher doses 4.

Vitamin D has been highly researched in connection with COVID because of its effect on the immune system. Studies have shown that Vitamin D can expedite healing and stall inflammation in the respiratory system 9. In a recent rapid review study, it was concluded that more research is needed to recommend Vitamin D supplementation for the prevention and treatment of COVID However, many professionals within the health and science community argue that supplementing with Vitamin D is generally safe and could possibly help protect individuals from the virus Vitamin D is essential for immune function.

Healthy levels of this vitamin may help lower your risk for respiratory infections. This is because zinc is essential for immune system function. Zinc is needed for immune cell development and communication and plays an important role in inflammatory response.

Zinc also specifically protects tissue barriers in the body and help prevent foreign pathogens from entering Zinc deficiency affects around 2 billion people worldwide and is very common in older adults. Zinc deficiency is relatively rare in North America and in developed countries 17 , Nevertheless, many individuals in the United States have marginal zinc deficiency related to intake or absorption.

Older individuals are generally at an increased risk Numerous studies reveal that zinc supplements may protect against respiratory tract infections like the common cold 19 , In a study in 64 hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infections ALRIs , taking 30 mg of zinc per day decreased the total duration of infection and the duration of the hospital stay by an average of 2 days, compared with a placebo group Supplemental zinc may also help reduce the duration of the common cold Additionally, zinc demonstrates antiviral activity 23 , Taking zinc long term is typically safe for healthy adults, as long as the daily dose is under the set upper limit of 40 mg of elemental zinc Supplementing with zinc may help protect against respiratory tract infections and reduce the duration of these infections.

Vitamin C is perhaps the most popular supplement taken to protect against infection due to its important role in immune health. This vitamin supports the function of various immune cells and enhances their ability to protect against infection. Vitamin C also functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against damage induced by oxidative stress, which occurs with the accumulation of reactive molecules known as free radicals.

Oxidative stress can negatively affect immune health and is linked to numerous diseases Supplementing with vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold Additionally, high-dose intravenous vitamin C treatment has been shown to significantly improve symptoms in people with severe infections, including sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS resulting from viral infections Still, other studies have suggested that the role of vitamin C in this setting is still under investigation 32 , The upper limit for vitamin C is 2, mg.

Supplemental daily doses are typically between and 1, mg Vitamin C is vital for immune health. Supplementing with this nutrient may help reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold.

Black elderberry Sambucus nigra , which has long been used to treat infections, is being researched for its effects on immune health. In test-tube studies, elderberry extract demonstrates potent antibacterial and antiviral potential against bacterial pathogens responsible for upper respiratory tract infections and strains of the influenza virus 35 , A review of 4 randomized control studies in people found that elderberry supplements significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections However, this study is outdated and was sponsored by the elderberry syrup manufacturer, which may have skewed results Though it has been suggested that elderberry can help relieve symptoms of certain infections and the influenza virus, we also must be aware of the risks.

Yes, colds and influenza, two well-known upper respiratory infections, will soon be on the rise. Last year we saw remarkably low rates of flu. Many experts don't think we'll be so lucky this year.

A new analysis reviewing available research suggests that over-the-counter zinc supplements could be one way to make cold and flu season a bit easier. Of course, this isn't the first study to look into zinc as an antiviral remedy, including for COVID But the results of past research have been mixed at best: some studies find modest benefit, others find no benefit, and the quality of the research has been low.

Also, some people experience bothersome side effects from zinc, such as upset stomach, nausea, and in some cases, loss of the sense of smell. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation modulates the inflammatory response in respiratory distress syndrome patients by restoring the antioxidant status of the lungs and suppressing the IL-1β and IL-6 levels Selenium supplementation suppresses pathogen induced activation of NF-κB and its downstream pro-inflammatory cytokine release The antiviral properties of selenium have found to be mediated through its antioxidant effects.

Overall, selenium improves the immunity through its non-enzymatic role acting as cofactor for enzymes involved in critical post-translational modifications of proteins. Because of its substantial role in suppressing the inflammation and augmentation of antioxidant status and innate immunity, selenium supplementation may be useful in fight against COVID Propolis produced by honeybees and known to have a broad spectrum of biological properties, including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, dermatoprotective, laxative, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory activity The immunomodulatory activity is attributed to flavonoids and some phenolic acids mainly caffeic acid phenethyl esters and artepillin C 3,5-diprenylhydroxycinnamic acid.

Propolis exhibits immunomodulatory effects on a broad spectrum of immune cells mediated by the modulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 and MAPK signaling pathways. Further, it also modulates nuclear factor of activated T cells NFAT and NF κB signaling pathways 82 , Propolis also stimulates greater antibody production, suggesting that it could be used as an adjuvant in vaccines.

Propolis at higher concentration inhibits lymphoproliferation while at low concentrations the effect is reversed, causing lymphoproliferation Further, compounds in honey propolis inhibits various viruses such as dengue virus type 2, herpes simplex virus, human cytomegalovirus, influenza virus A1 Together, with immunomodulatory and antiviral effects, propolis can be tried as a prophylactic support against COVID The commonly used probiotics are Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, followed by the Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, and Escherichia coli.

Probiotics not only support the health of the gut but also improves system functioning and regulation Though it is not clear how gut microbiome provides benefit over respiratory tract infections via gut-lung axis.

In general, it is observed that the gut microbiome impacts systemic immune responses as well as local immune responses at distal mucosal sites, including lungs Consumption of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus have found to help in clearing the influenza virus in the respiratory tract Levels of interferons, mucosal antibodies of lung and activity of NK cells, antigen presenting cells APCs are improved by probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 strain has shown to have suppressing effect on the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, enhances anti-inflammatory cytokines IL, IL-4 and also known to reduce plasma peroxidation levels as well as modulate immune system It is reported that Lactobacillus acidophilus CMCC administration in mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa decreased the damage in the lungs by reducing the bacterial load and reducing the inflammation A clinical study has reported that administration of Leuconostoc mesenteroides , Lactobacillus plantarum 2,, L.

paracasei ssp. paracasei 19, Pediococcus pentosaceus along with resistant starch, inulin prebiotics etc. reduced systemic inflammatory response syndrome and other infections Bifidobacterium longum BB strain prevents infection from influenza and improves innate immunity Though mechanism of their immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effects in the lung are not clearly understood.

In general, probiotics exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects via modulation of the NF-κB, MAPK and pattern recognition receptors PRR pathways that decreases Th2 mediated responses and upregulates Th1 responses. Further, they have an ability to inhibit the attachment of bacterial LPS to CD14 receptor, hence decrease in the overall activation of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines production 94 , Considering the role of probiotics in improving the host innate immune response as well as anti-inflammatory effects 87 , and considering the fact that gut involvement and enterocytes 96 can be reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2 infection, probiotics can be repurposed as prophylactics as well as adjuvants to combat the pathogenesis of COVID Lactoferrin Lf is a naturally occurring and non-toxic glycoprotein that has been studied against a broad range of viruses, including SARS-CoV, which is closely related to SARS-CoV Lf inhibits viral entry via binding to cell surface molecules or viral particles or both.

It was also known to suppress virus replication as in the case of HIV. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in preventing the virus entry and replication Studies have shown that it exerts immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects by inducing the T-cell activation, suppressing the levels of interleukins including IL-6, TNF-α, and downregulating the ferritin Also it suppresses H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells Furthermore, zinc saturated Lf exerts a more potent antiviral effect It is mainly used as a nutritional additive in infant formulas and clinical studies, with doses ranging from mg to 4.

and can be tried as a potential preventive and therapeutics against COVID Quercetin is a well-known antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antiviral bioactive.

It inhibits TNF-α production in LPS-induced macrophages , IL-8 production in lung A cells , and mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-1α in glial cells It also limits the production of cyclooxygenase COX and lipoxygenase LOX enzymes in rat liver epithelial cells Studies have also shown that quercetin has antiviral effects on both RNA and DNA viruses.

It inhibits the virus entry and viral-cell fusion and reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lung inflammation induced by rhinovirus in mice Further, quercetin metabolite 4',5-diacetyloxy-3,3',7-trimethoxyflavone has been shown to inhibit the picornavirus replication by inhibiting the RNA replicase complex Studies have also found that quercetin-3β-galactoside due to the presence of hydroxyl group, it binds to viral protease 3CL pro and inhibits its proteolytic activity Further, increased ability of estradiol in affecting human genes encoding SARS-CoV-2 targets compared to testosterone suggests a plausible explanation of the apparently higher male mortality in this corona pandemic Furthermore, as observed in prediction models that quercetin binds SARS-CoV-2 S-protein at its host receptor region or to the S-protein-human ACE2 interface interfering the virus entry into cells indicating its therapeutic potential This prediction is consistent with the reports that both quercetin and a structurally similar luteolin inhibits the SARS-CoV virus infection Additionally, other studies have also found that quercetin in combination with VC induces synergistic antiviral and immunomodulatory effects against COVID Taken together, various studies suggest that quercetin possesses potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects and can be repurposed as a preventive and therapeutic candidate to combat COVID Currently, there is one corona vaccine, Sputnik V, developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute, Moscow has been approved by the Ministry of Health, Russian Federation.

Presently, there are over vaccines around the world in various stages of research and development. A few of them are in human clinical trials and are being tested rigorously for their safety, efficacy, and dosage standardization. Similarly, there are several drug candidates that have been identified and most are in various stages of research and development, whilst some of them have been repurposed and approved for emergency use in this pandemic.

The notable ones approved for use in an emergency include hydroxychloroquine, favipiravir, remdesivir, tocilizumab, etc. The plethora of existing literature provides the scientific evidence on immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties of several phytonutrients as summarized in Table 1.

Initial studies find that some of these have been found to possess anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects and are being fast-tracked into clinical trials Table 2. Repurposing of these nutrients in the right combination to achieve the functional synergy in the form of ready-to-eat food supplements may provide both prophylactic and adjuvant therapy against COVID Table 2.

Registered clinical trials of food supplements Source: ClinicalTrials. MM, VP, RN, and PJ: drafted the article.

PH and PVR: edited the article. All authors: contributed to the article and approved the submitted version. of India. The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

We are thankful to the Director and to CSIR-CFTRI for providing facilities to carry out this study. Chan JFW, Yuan S, Kok KH, To KKW, Chu H, Yang J, et al. A familial cluster of pneumonia associated with the novel coronavirus indicating person-to-person transmission: a study of a family cluster.

doi: PubMed Abstract CrossRef Full Text Google Scholar. Guan WJ, Ni ZY, Hu Y, Liang WH, Ou CQ, He JX, et al. Clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease in China. N Engl J Med. CrossRef Full Text Google Scholar. Li Q, Guan X, Wu P, Wang X, Zhou L, Tong Y, et al. Early transmission dynamics in Wuhan, China, of novel coronavirus—infected pneumonia.

Shi Y, Wang Y, Shao C, Huang J, Gan J, Huang X, et al. COVID infection: the perspectives on immune responses. Cell Death Differ. Hoffmann M, Kleine-Weber H, Schroeder S, Krüger N, Herrler T, Erichsen S, et al.

SARSCoV-2 cell entry depends on ace2 and tmprss2 and is blocked by a clinically proven protease inhibitor. Ou X, Liu Y, Lei X, Li P, Mi D, Ren L, et al. Characterization of spike glycoprotein of SARSCoV-2 on virus entry and its immune cross-reactivity with SARSCoV.

Nat Commun. Channappanavar R, Perlman S. Pathogenic human coronavirus infections: causes and consequences of cytokine storm and immunopathology. Semin Immunopathol. Kindler E, Thiel V, Weber F.

Interaction of SARS and MERS coronaviruses with the antiviral interferon response. Adv Virus Res. Li X, Geng M, Peng Y, Meng L, Lu S. Molecular immune pathogenesis and diagnosis of COVID J Pharm Anal.

Olagnier D, Farahani E, Thyrsted J, Cadanet JB, Herengt A, Idorn M, et al. Identification of SARSCoV2-mediated suppression of NRF2 signaling reveals a potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity of 4-octyl-itaconate and dimethyl fumarate.

Delgado-Roche L, Mesta F. Oxidative stress as key player in severe acute respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus SARSCoV infection. Arch Med Res. Ntyonga-Pono MP. COVID infection and oxidative stress: an under-explored approach for prevention and treatment?

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Glucosephosphate dehydrogenase deficiency enhances human coronavirus E infection. J Infect Dis. Bell TJ, Brand OJ, Morgan DJ, Salek-Ardakani S, Jagger C, Fujimori T, et al. Defective lung function following influenza virus is due to prolonged, reversible hyaluronan synthesis.

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Lancet Respir Med. Hällgren R, Samuelsson T, Laurent TC, Modig J. Accumulation of hyaluronan hyaluronic acid in the lung in adult respiratory distress syndrome. Am Rev Respir Dis.

Read SA, Obeid S, Ahlenstiel C, Ahlenstiel G. The role of zinc in antiviral immunity. Adv Nutr. Biaggio VS, Pérez Chaca MV, Valdéz SR, Gómez NN, Gimenez MS. Alteration in the expression of inflammatory parameters as a result of oxidative stress produced by moderate zinc deficiency in rat lung.

Exp Lung Res. Bao S, Knoell DL. Zinc modulates cytokine-induced lung epithelial cell barrier permeability. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. Liu MJ, Bao S, Napolitano JR, Burris DL, Yu L, Tridandapani S, et al. Zinc regulates the acute phase response and serum amyloid a production in response to sepsis through JAKSTAT3 signaling.

PLoS ONE. Ishida T. Am J Biomed Sci Res. Speth R, Carrera E, Jean-Baptiste M, Joachim A, Linares A. Concentration-dependent effects of zinc on angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 activity FASEB J. te Velthuis AJW, van den Worm SHE, Sims AC, Baric RS, Snijder EJ, van Hemert MJ.

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Chen Y, Zhang J, Ge X, Du J, Deb DK, Li YC. Vitamin D receptor inhibits nuclear factor κB activation by interacting with IκB kinase β protein.

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J Immunol Baltim Md Monlezun DJ, Bittner EA, Christopher KB, Camargo CA, Quraishi SA. Vitamin D status and acute respiratory infection: cross sectional results from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Zdrenghea MT, Makrinioti H, Bagacean C, Bush A, Johnston SL, Stanciu LA.

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World J Gastroenterol. Ginde AA, Blatchford P, Breese K, Zarrabi L, Linnebur SA, Wallace JI, et al. High-dose monthly vitamin D for prevention of acute respiratory infection in older long-term care residents: a randomized clinical trial.

J Am Geriatr Soc. Behera MK, Shukla SK, Dixit VK, Nath P, Abhilash VB, Asati PK, et al. Indian J Med Res. Nimer A, Mouch A. Vitamin D improves viral response in hepatitis C genotype naïve patients. World J Gastroenterol WJG. Charan J, Goyal JP, Saxena D, Yadav P.

Vitamin D for prevention of respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. Goncalves-Mendes N, Talvas J, Dualé C, Guttmann A, Corbin V, Marceau G, et al.

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Oral vitamin C supplements to prevent and treat acute upper respiratory tract infections.

Numerous studies reveal that zinc supplements may protect against respiratory tract infections like the common cold 19 , In a study in 64 hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infections ALRIs , taking 30 mg of zinc per day decreased the total duration of infection and the duration of the hospital stay by an average of 2 days, compared with a placebo group Supplemental zinc may also help reduce the duration of the common cold Additionally, zinc demonstrates antiviral activity 23 , Taking zinc long term is typically safe for healthy adults, as long as the daily dose is under the set upper limit of 40 mg of elemental zinc Supplementing with zinc may help protect against respiratory tract infections and reduce the duration of these infections.

Vitamin C is perhaps the most popular supplement taken to protect against infection due to its important role in immune health. This vitamin supports the function of various immune cells and enhances their ability to protect against infection.

Vitamin C also functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against damage induced by oxidative stress, which occurs with the accumulation of reactive molecules known as free radicals.

Oxidative stress can negatively affect immune health and is linked to numerous diseases Supplementing with vitamin C has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold Additionally, high-dose intravenous vitamin C treatment has been shown to significantly improve symptoms in people with severe infections, including sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS resulting from viral infections Still, other studies have suggested that the role of vitamin C in this setting is still under investigation 32 , The upper limit for vitamin C is 2, mg.

Supplemental daily doses are typically between and 1, mg Vitamin C is vital for immune health. Supplementing with this nutrient may help reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. Black elderberry Sambucus nigra , which has long been used to treat infections, is being researched for its effects on immune health.

In test-tube studies, elderberry extract demonstrates potent antibacterial and antiviral potential against bacterial pathogens responsible for upper respiratory tract infections and strains of the influenza virus 35 , A review of 4 randomized control studies in people found that elderberry supplements significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections However, this study is outdated and was sponsored by the elderberry syrup manufacturer, which may have skewed results Though it has been suggested that elderberry can help relieve symptoms of certain infections and the influenza virus, we also must be aware of the risks.

Some report that elderberries can lead to the production of excess cytokines, which could potentially damage healthy cells For that reason, some researchers recommend elderberry supplements only be used in the early course of COVID It should be noted no published research studies have evaluated the use of elderberry for COVID These recommendations are based on previous research done on elderberries.

A systemic review of elderberry 43 concluded:. Taking elderberry supplements may help reduce upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections and help alleviate flu symptoms.

However, elderberry also has risks. More research is needed. Medicinal mushrooms have been used since ancient times to prevent and treat infection and disease. Many types of medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their immune-boosting potential. Over recognized species of medicinal mushrooms are known to have immune-enhancing properties Some research demonstrates that supplementing with specific types of medicinal mushrooms may enhance immune health in several ways as well as reduce symptoms of certain conditions, including asthma and lung infections.

For example, a study in mice with tuberculosis, a serious bacterial disease, found that treatment with cordyceps significantly reduced bacterial load in the lungs, enhanced immune response, and reduced inflammation, compared with a placebo group In a randomized, 8-week study in 79 adults, supplementing with 1.

Turkey tail is another medicinal mushroom that has powerful effects on immune health. Research in humans indicates that turkey tail may enhance immune response, especially in people with certain types of cancer 48 , Many other medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their beneficial effects on immune health as well.

Medicinal mushroom products can be found in the form of tinctures, teas, and supplements 50 , 51 , 52 , Many types of medicinal mushrooms, including cordyceps and turkey tail, may offer immune-enhancing and antibacterial effects.

According to results from scientific research, the supplements listed above may offer immune-boosting properties.

However, keep in mind that many of these potential effects these supplements have on immune health have not been thoroughly tested in humans, highlighting the need for future studies.

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J Trace Elem Electrolytes Health Dis. Lyckholm L, Heddinger SP, Parker G, Coyne PJ, Ramakrishnan V, Smith TJ, et al. A randomized, placebo controlled trial of oral zinc for chemotherapy-related taste and smell disorders.

J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften. Cox MJ, Loman N, Bogaert D, O'Grady J. Co-infections: potentially lethal and unexplored in COVID Lancet Microbe.

Eijkelkamp BA, Morey JR, Neville SL, Tan A, Pederick VG, Cole N, et al. Dietary zinc and the control of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Levi M, Thachil J, Iba T, Levy JH. Coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis in patients with COVID The Lancet Haematology. Gavriilaki E, Brodsky RA.

Severe COVID infection and thrombotic microangiopathy: success doesn't come easily. Br J Haematol. Varga Z, Flammer AJ, Steiger P, Haberecker M, Andermatt R, Zinkernagel AS, et al. Endothelial cell infection and endotheliitis in COVID Taylor KA, Pugh N.

The contribution of zinc to platelet behaviour during haemostasis and thrombosis. Lopes-Pires ME, Ahmed NS, Vara D, Gibbins JM, Pula G, Pugh N.

Zinc regulates reactive oxygen species generation in platelets. Xiao F, Tang M, Zheng X, Liu Y, Li X, Shan H. Evidence for gastrointestinal infection of SARS-CoV Zhang C, Shi L, Wang F-S.

Liver injury in COVID management and challenges. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. Inciardi RM, Lupi L, Zaccone G, Italia L, Raffo M, Tomasoni D, et al. Cardiac involvement in a patient with coronavirus disease COVID JAMA Cardiol.

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Human kidney is a target for novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 SARSCoV-2 infection. Galván Casas C, Català A, Carretero Hernández G, Rodríguez-Jiménez P, Fernández Nieto D, Rodríguez-Villa Lario A, et al. Classification of the cutaneous manifestations of COVID a rapid prospective nationwide consensus study in Spain with cases.

Br J Dermatol. Lin P-H, Sermersheim M, Li H, Lee PH, Steinberg SM, Ma J. Zinc in wound healing modulation. Aydemir TB, Sitren HS, Cousins RJ.

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Vitamin D, commonly known for its role in bone health, also helps make proteins that kill viruses and bacteria, especially in the respiratory tract. In a analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials involving more than 11, patients, vitamin D supplements significantly reduced respiratory infections in people deficient in the vitamin and lowered the risk in those with normal levels.

Benefits were greatest when people took vitamin D daily or weekly, rather in a single large dose, echoing the findings of other studies. Tod Cooperman, MD, president of the independent supplement testing company, Consumerlab. com, recommends 2, IU 50 mcg of vitamin D a day, preferably in liquid form.

But Daniel Small, MD, a rheumatologist with the Mayo Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin, says many people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases may need to take much higher doses under a doctor's supervision. Nobel Prize-winner Linus Pauling championed vitamin C as a cold cure decades ago, but research remains mixed.

Some studies suggest that taking mg twice daily can help prevent colds but not cure them. Other research has found that vitamin C may not prevent viral respiratory infections but can speed recovery. Doctors in China are experimenting with intravenous vitamin C for patients with moderate to severe COVID This seems to hold true for both low and high doses — 80 mg to over mg a day — and for different forms, including gluconate, sulfate, acetate and picolinate.

Zinc works best if you start it at the first sign of symptoms. Doctors are taking a closer look at zinc for COVID, too. Zinc supplements come in lozenge, pill or liquid form. com recommends taking a lozenge containing 13 mg to 23 mg zinc every two hours throughout the day for no more than a week if you have a cold.

Those without symptoms may not get any benefit. Too much zinc can have the opposite effect and blunt your immune response and can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and headache.

In one study, the duration of illness was significantly lower in the group receiving zinc gluconate lozenges providing None of the zinc preparations affected the severity of cold symptoms in the first 3 days of treatment. As far as the common cold is concerned, the data suggest that while zinc is not a cold cure, it may be worth a try to shorten the duration of a cold if you can get over the metallic taste and dry mouth.

Now fast forward to the coronavirus crisis. A blog post circulating on the Internet, attributed to Dr. Robb said in a letter that he sent privately to friends but somehow found its way into the hands of some blogger who twisted the information until it dripped nonsense all over the blogosphere.

Robb referred to research that had demonstrated an inhibition of the replication of many viruses, including coronaviruses, by exposure to zinc.

He indicated that this could also be the case for the virus that causes COVID disease, but pointed out that he has no experimental support for the claim.

He specifically advised that this should be while lying down to give the zinc the best chance of contracting the virus. Current evidence indicates that up to mg of zinc a day over a short period does not result in zinc toxicity. Keep in mind, though, that there are no supporting studies.

When we speak of zinc supplements, we are not referring to metallic zinc, but to one of its salts, such as zinc gluconate, zinc acetate or zinc citrate.

Sucking on pieces of metallic zinc is not the way to go. And one final point. Low levels of zinc in the blood have been associated with cognitive impairment.

So maybe, by taking zinc, we will be better able to judge whether we should be taking zinc or not! Leave a comment! McGill University Office for Science and Society Separating Sense from Nonsense.

Enter your keywords. Due to their concentration of potent plant compounds, many herbs help fight viruses and are favored by practitioners of natural medicine. At the same time, the benefits of some herbs are only supported by limited human research, so you should take them with a grain of salt. Its plant compounds, which include carvacrol, offer antiviral properties.

In a test-tube study, both oregano oil and isolated carvacrol reduced the activity of murine norovirus MNV within 15 minutes of exposure 1.

MNV is highly contagious and the primary cause of stomach flu in humans. It is very similar to human norovirus and used in scientific studies because human norovirus is notoriously difficult to grow in laboratory settings 2.

Oregano oil and carvacrol have also been shown to exhibit antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type-1 HSV-1 ; rotavirus, a common cause of diarrhea in infants and children; and respiratory syncytial virus RSV , which causes respiratory infections 3 , 4 , 5.

Also a member of the mint family, sage is an aromatic herb that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat viral infections 6.

The antiviral properties of sage are mostly attributed to compounds called safficinolide and sage one, which are found in the leaves and stem of the plant 7. Test-tube research indicates that this herb may fight human immunodeficiency virus type 1 HIV-1 , which can lead to AIDS.

In one study, sage extract significantly inhibited HIV activity by preventing the virus from entering target cells 8. Sage has also been shown to combat HSV-1 and Indiana vesiculovirus, which infects farm animals like horses, cows, and pigs 9 , Many types of basil , including the sweet and holy varieties, may fight certain viral infections.

For example, one test-tube study found that sweet basil extracts, including compounds like apigenin and ursolic acid, exhibited potent effects against herpes viruses, hepatitis B, and enterovirus Holy basil , also known as tulsi, has been shown to increase immunity, which may help fight viral infections.

In a 4-week study in 24 healthy adults, supplementing with mg of holy basil extract significantly increased levels of helper T cells and natural killer cells, both of which are immune cells that help protect and defend your body from viral infections Fennel is a licorice-flavored plant that may fight certain viruses.

A test-tube study showed that fennel extract exhibited strong antiviral effects against herpes viruses and parainfluenza type-3 PI-3 , which causes respiratory infections in cattle According to animal research, fennel may also boost your immune system and decrease inflammation , which may likewise help combat viral infections Garlic is a popular natural remedy for a wide array of conditions, including viral infections.

In a study in 23 adults with warts caused by human papillomavirus HPV , applying garlic extract to affected areas twice daily eliminated the warts in all of them after 1—2 weeks 16 , Additionally, older test-tube studies note that garlic may have antiviral activity against influenza A and B, HIV, HSV-1, viral pneumonia, and rhinovirus, which causes the common cold.

However, current research is lacking Animal and test-tube studies indicate that garlic enhances immune system response by stimulating protective immune cells, which may safeguard against viral infections Lemon balm extract is a concentrated source of potent essential oils and plant compounds that have antiviral activity Test-tube research has shown that it has antiviral effects against avian influenza bird flu , herpes viruses, HIV-1, and enterovirus 71, which can cause severe infections in infants and children 8 , 20 , 21 , 22 , Peppermint is known to have powerful antiviral qualities and commonly added to teas, extracts, and tinctures meant to naturally treat viral infections.

Its leaves and essential oils contain active components, including menthol and rosmarinic acid, which have antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity In a test-tube study, peppermint-leaf extract exhibited potent antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus RSV and significantly decreased levels of inflammatory compounds Rosemary is frequently used in cooking but likewise has therapeutic applications due to its numerous plant compounds, including oleanolic acid Oleanolic acid has displayed antiviral activity against herpes viruses, HIV, influenza , and hepatitis in animal and test-tube studies Plus, rosemary extract has demonstrated antiviral effects against herpes viruses and hepatitis A, which affects the liver 28 , Echinacea is one of the most popularly used ingredients in herbal medicine due to its impressive health-promoting properties.

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