Does vitamin C with Zinc work on Covid-19 treatment?

Vitamin C and zinc play no significant role in Covid-19 treatment

During the treatment of the new coronavirus, people often have such questions: Can eating vitamin C or other health products at home prevent new coronary pneumonia? Is it true that vitamin C can treat and prevent new coronary pneumonia?

Scientists at the Cleveland Clinic conducted a study to look at the effects of zinc and vitamin C on patients with the new coronavirus.

In a study of 214 COVID-19 patients, researchers found that some received standard care between April 2020 and October 2020, while others received zinc gluconate (50 mg) in addition to standard care. ) and vitamin C (8000 mg). The findings showed that there was no significant difference in the severity or duration of symptoms between patients receiving vitamin C and zinc and those receiving standard care. This suggests that zinc and vitamin C supplementation may not play an important role in the treatment of the novel coronavirus.

Fan Zhihong, an associate professor at the School of Food Science of China Agricultural University, said that vitamin C supplementation for virus-infected patients is beneficial, but it does not mean that taking large doses of vitamin C can effectively prevent the disease when there is an adequate intake of fruits and vegetables. There is no such research evidence yet.

Nutraceuticals and SARS-CoV-2

At present, there is no evidence that the use of health products such as vitamins and trace elements can prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 (new coronavirus) infection. But some supplements can boost the immune system.

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D boosts immune defenses.

Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels increase the risk of upper respiratory tract infections, including the flu. In 2019, a randomized, controlled study of 11,321 people found vitamin D to be safe and effective for the prevention of acute respiratory infections, and other studies suggested that vitamin D could enhance the treatment effects of antiviral drugs already used for hepatitis C and HIV.

If you are considering vitamin D therapy, it is recommended to check your current vitamin D levels first. Side effects of vitamin D are rare, but high intakes can raise blood calcium levels. It is recommended to consult a physician before using or increasing the dose.

2. Zinc

Zinc is a type of trace element essential for the growth and response of immune cells such as white blood cells. Zinc plays an important role in the body's inflammatory response (the body's defense against viral, bacterial and fungal invasion). Research suggests that zinc may help influence the outcome (i.e. shorten the course of illness) of various infections, including the common cold (caused by different types of coronaviruses) and acute lower respiratory tract infections. However, there is no evidence to date that zinc supplementation helps reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Because zinc needs to be absorbed in the small intestine, people with Crohn's disease, severe diarrhea or malnutrition need zinc supplementation. However, long-term treatment of more than 40 mg per day will lead to copper deficiency and anemia in the body, so zinc supplementation treatment requires consultation with a doctor. Other side effects of zinc are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

3. Vitamin C

I believe everyone has been advised to supplement vitamin C when they have a cold. There is some truth to this suggestion. Vitamin C has a certain role in enhancing immune cell function and fighting infections in the body. Therefore, respiratory and even systemic infections can be prevented and treated by enhancing immune cell function. It is basically safe for adults to take no more than 2000 mg of vitamin C orally per day. Diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset and kidney stones may occur at doses >2000 mg. Serious viral infections such as sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be ameliorated by the use of high-dose intravenous vitamin C in medical professional settings.

There is currently no evidence that vitamin C can be used to prevent or treat COVID-19 (coronavirus disease). Some vitamin drops (infusions) are currently recommended despite the lack of evidence; this may increase the risk of infection by exposing yourself to more people than necessary. The current research on infusion of vitamin C was initiated by Dr. Peng Zhiyong from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. He studies the effect of vitamin C instillation in patients with severe acute respiratory infection caused by the new coronavirus, and there is no public conclusion yet. If you want to take vitamin C on a daily basis, it is best to talk to your doctor about the dosage first.

4. Elderberry

Black elderberry (European elderberry) has been in the limelight in recent months. In laboratory studies (non-human studies), elderberry extract has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Additionally, in a meta-analysis pooling 180 subjects, elderberry reduced symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. However, these studies are still in their early stages and have small numbers of participants. The efficacy of elderberry cannot be supported by two systematic analyses at present, and further research is needed to confirm. It is even more important to note that elderberry is currently an over-the-counter drug, and the actual elderberry content in the product varies, which may bring potential safety issues.

Talking about its effect on IBD, elderberry can regulate the content of cytokines interleukin and tumor necrosis factor in the body, which may affect the efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs. In addition, elderberry side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

If someone with IBD wants to take elderberry or other supplements, be sure to consult their doctor first.