Anti-vial are widely anti-viral dietary supplement as weeds but supolement been diwtary for anti-viral dietary supplement Fitness retreats and workshops properties, including potential antiviral effects. In addition, research has shown that supplementing with certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances can help improve immune response and potentially protect against illness. In addition, it did not affect rates of gastrointestinal and HIV symptoms.

Anti-viral dietary supplement -

Taking supplements of these vitamins may help support immune system function. Currently, no research supports the use of any supplement to protect against COVID specifically. Your immune system consists of a complex collection of cells, processes, and chemicals that constantly defends your body against invading pathogens, including viruses, toxins, and bacteria 1 , 2.

Making healthy lifestyle choices by consuming nutritious foods and getting enough sleep and exercise are the most important ways to bolster your immune system.

In addition, research has shown that supplementing with certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances can help improve immune response and potentially protect against illness.

Some may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions. Be sure to talk with a healthcare professional before starting any supplements. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient essential to the health and functioning of your immune system.

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.

This fact sheet summarizes the effects of various dietary supplement ingredients on immune function and the risk of selected infectious diseases, including the common cold, influenza and other respiratory tract infections, infectious diarrhea, and HIV infection. These diseases can be caused by numerous pathogens.

For example, the common cold is caused by a wide variety of respiratory viruses, most commonly rhinovirus, but also coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and other virus serotypes [ 13 ]. Dietary supplement ingredients in each category are presented in alphabetical order. In some cases, cited research involves intravenous, enteral, or parenteral administration.

Dietary ingredients administered by these routes are not classified as dietary supplements, but the information is included for completeness.

For information on dietary supplements and COVID, please see the Office of Dietary Supplements ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Consuming a nutritious variety of foods helps maintain overall good health and a strong immune system [ 14 ]. Obtaining adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals is also important for good health, and deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals—including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K; folate; and copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc—might adversely affect immune function.

The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism states that low intakes or status of several micronutrients—including vitamins A, E, B6, and B12; zinc; and selenium—are associated with worse outcomes in patients with viral infections [ 14 ].

If needed, vitamin and mineral supplementation can boost intakes to recommended levels. In the absence of deficiency, however, routine supplementation with micronutrients probably does little to prevent or treat specific infections [ 14 , 28 ].

The following subsections describe research on the effects of dietary supplements containing more commonly studied vitamins and minerals—vitamins A, C, D, and E, selenium, and zinc—on immune function.

Many foods contain vitamin A, an essential nutrient. Two sources of vitamin A are available in the human diet: preformed vitamin A retinol and retinyl esters and provitamin A carotenoids beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Preformed vitamin A is present in foods from animal sources, including dairy products, eggs, fish, and organ meats.

Provitamin A carotenoids come from plant foods, including leafy green vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, tomato products, fruits, and some vegetable oils.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance RDA for vitamin A is to 1, mcg retinol activity equivalents RAE for infants and children, depending on age, and to 1, mcg RAE for adults, including those who are pregnant or lactating [ 29 ].

Vitamin A plays a critical role in vision and growth. It is also required for the formation and maintenance of epithelial tissue and the differentiation, maturation, and function of macrophages and other cells of the innate immune system [ 5 , 15 , 30 ].

Vitamin A deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infections, altered immune responses, and impairment in the ability of epithelial tissue to act as a barrier to pathogens [ 5 , 15 , 30 , 31 ].

Although vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States, it is common in many low- and middle-income countries and is one of the top causes of preventable blindness in children [ ].

It is also associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, diarrhea, and measles. For this reason, the World Health Organization WHO and other expert groups recommend universal vitamin A supplementation for children younger than 5 years including those who have HIV in populations with a high risk of vitamin A deficiency [ 33 , 37 ].

Recommended doses in these populations are 30, mcg RAE , International Units [IU] vitamin A once for infants age 6—11 months and 60, mcg RAE , IU every 4—6 months for children age 1—5 years [ 37 ]. The authors of a analysis concluded that vitamin A supplementation has reduced child mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa, although rates are still substantial in many countries in this region [ 38 ].

Vitamin A deficiency can decrease resistance to pathogens in the mucosa of the digestive tract and increase the risk of diarrhea [ 30 ].

Vitamin A deficiency also increases the risk of mortality from diarrhea in young children [ 39 ]. A analysis of data from 83 countries found that 94, deaths from diarrhea in children were associated with vitamin A deficiency [ 39 ].

For these reasons, researchers have examined the effects of vitamin A supplementation on childhood diarrhea. Results from these studies suggest that vitamin A supplementation reduces the risk and severity of diarrhea in children in low- and middle-income countries but does not appear to benefit very young infants.

A systematic review of studies that examined the effects of vitamin A on childhood diarrhea included 13 clinical trials in a total of 37, participants that examined risk of diarrhea and 7 clinical trials in a total of 90, children age 6 months to 5 years, mostly in low- or middle-income countries, that examined the risk of death from diarrhea [ 40 ].

Vitamin A doses ranged from 6, mcg RAE 20, IU to 61, mcg RAE , IU , depending on age, and were administered in a single dose or in several doses administered weekly or every few months for up to 24 months. In very young infants, however, limited evidence suggests that vitamin A supplementation does not affect diarrhea morbidity or mortality.

A Cochrane Review that examined the effects of vitamin A supplementation in children age 1 to 6 months found that 7, mcg RAE 25, IU to 15, mcg RAE 50, IU vitamin A administered three times during the first few months of life did not reduce the risk of diarrhea or of death due to diarrhea [ 41 ].

However, these findings were based on only two clinical trials that examined the incidence of diarrhea in 5, participants and one trial that examined mortality from diarrhea in participants.

It can also increase the risk of comorbidities, including diarrhea and respiratory diseases [ 42 ]. HIV is treated with a combination of medicines called antiretroviral therapy ART , which can reduce the risk of HIV transmission from one individual to another by reducing viral load and help people with HIV live longer [ 44 ].

The results of studies of the effects of vitamin A supplementation on risk of HIV transmission or disease outcomes in children and adults have been mixed. Two Cochrane Reviews found that vitamin A supplements improved some but not all outcomes examined in children but offered no benefit in adults with HIV infection.

A Cochrane Review included three clinical trials in a total of infants and children with HIV age 5 years or younger [ 45 ]. Another Cochrane Review examined the effects of vitamin A supplementation in four clinical trials that included a total of adults with HIV infection mostly women age 18 to 45 [ 46 ].

None of the trials was adequately powered to assess mortality or morbidity outcomes. Results were negative in another Cochrane Review [ 47 ].

It included five clinical trials conducted in sub-Saharan Africa with a total of 7, pregnant participants with HIV. Vitamin A supplementation did not affect the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Largely because of the findings from this analysis, the WHO does not recommend vitamin A supplementation in people with HIV who are pregnant in order to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV [ 48 ].

Most of the findings were also negative in a systematic review of vitamin A supplementation that included 17 clinical trials, conducted mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, in a total of 12, children and adults mostly pregnant women with HIV [ 31 ]. Vitamin A dosing schedules varied widely but commonly included 1, to 3, mcg RAE 5, to 10, IU daily or one-time doses of 15, to , mcg RAE 50, to , IU at baseline or delivery.

In addition, it did not affect rates of gastrointestinal and HIV symptoms. However, in one trial included in the review, vitamin A supplementation , mcg RAE [, IU] at delivery reduced the number of clinic visits for some health conditions in women with HIV postpartum and in another trial, supplementation with 15, to 60, mcg RAE 50, to , IU vitamin A depending on age five times per year reduced rates of diarrhea in children with HIV.

Supplements 1, mcg RAE [5, IU] daily plus 60, mcg RAE [, IU] at delivery also reduced the risk of preterm birth in one study in pregnant women with HIV. Whether maternal vitamin A supplementation affects the morbidity and mortality of breastfed infants was the focus of a cross-sectional study in lactating people with HIV from sub-Saharan Africa [ 49 ].

The study included mothers, of whom took vitamin A supplements after giving birth doses and frequency not reported ; the other did not. Vitamin A supplementation did not affect infant mortality rates or the risk of cough with difficulty breathing, diarrhea, or fever in the breastfed infants.

In , measles was responsible for more than , deaths around the world, mostly in young children in low-income countries [ 50 ]. A major risk factor for severe measles is low vitamin A status [ 5 ].

Research suggests that vitamin A supplementation reduces the risk of measles in children who are at high risk of vitamin A deficiency.

However, whether vitamin A supplementation reduces the risk of death from measles is less clear. However, other studies have found no effect of vitamin A supplementation on risk of death from measles. A systematic review included six clinical trials in a total of 19, children younger than 5 years that examined the effect of vitamin A supplementation on risk of measles and five clinical trials in a total of 88, children that examined the risk of death from measles.

Most studies were conducted in low- and middle-income countries [ 40 ]. Vitamin A doses ranged from 2, mcg RAE 8, IU to 60, mcg RAE , IU , depending on age, and were administered as single doses or over weeks or months. However, the supplements did not affect risk of death due to measles, according to the results of six clinical trials in a total of 1,, children.

Again, findings were mostly negative in a systematic review of 13 clinical trials conducted in India or sub-Saharan Africa of vitamin A supplementation for measles in a total of 1,, infants and children [ 31 ].

Vitamin A supplementation did not reduce the risk of measles in healthy infants and children or mortality rates in those with measles. The supplements also had no effect on immunological responses, except for higher levels of immunoglobulin G antibodies in children taking vitamin A in one study.

However, a few trials found that vitamin A supplementation reduced the risk of a few measles-related complications, such as pneumonia, especially among children with vitamin A deficiency, and severe diarrhea.

Vitamin A deficiency is associated with recurrent respiratory tract infections in children [ 33 , 51 ]. However, findings have been mixed from trials of the effects of vitamin A supplementation on the risk and severity of pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections in children [ 33 , 52 ].

In addition, some evidence suggests that doses of vitamin A supplementation that are higher than the WHO recommends might increase the risk of respiratory tract infections among children with normal nutritional status [ 53 ]. Effects were mixed in a meta-analysis of 15 clinical trials in a total of 3, children age not specified that examined the effects of mcg RAE 1, IU to , mcg RAE , IU vitamin A supplementation for several days or weeks on the risk of morbidity and mortality from pneumonia [ 52 ].

Vitamin A supplementation shortened the durations of hospital stays and of signs and symptoms, including fever, cough, and abnormal chest X-rays. However, it did not reduce the risk of death due to pneumonia. Other clinical trials have found that vitamin A supplements do not reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections or of death from these infections.

A Cochrane Review that included 11 clinical trials in a total of 27, children age 6 months to 5 years found that 15, mcg RAE 50, IU to 60, mcg RAE , IU , depending on age, vitamin A supplementation did not significantly affect the risk of lower respiratory tract infections [ 33 ].

In addition, vitamin A supplements did not affect the risk of death due to these infections, according to the results of nine studies in a total of 1,, children that examined this outcome.

A separate Cochrane Review also found that vitamin A supplementation 7, mcg RAE [25, IU] or 15, mcg RAE [50, IU] given three times during the first 14 weeks of life did not reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections or death due to such infections in very young infants age 1 to 6 months, although the review included only one trial for each outcome [ 41 ].

Similarly, a systematic review of 16 clinical trials that combined nine trials in a meta-analysis in a total of 32, children found that vitamin A supplementation did not reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections [ 54 ]. Another meta-analysis found that taking vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections might even be harmful in some circumstances [ 53 ].

The analysis included 26 clinical trials that examined acute or lower respiratory tract infections in a total of 50, children from birth to age 11 years. Vitamin A doses ranged from 15, mcg RAE 50, IU to , mcg RAE 1,, IU depending on age and were administered as a single dose or over days, weeks, months, or years.

Overall, vitamin A supplementation did not affect the risk, severity, or duration of acute or lower respiratory tract infections. These tolerable upper intake levels ULs, maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects , however, do not apply to people taking vitamin A under the care of a physician.

Higher intakes can cause severe headache, blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, aching muscles, and coordination problems. In severe cases, cerebral spinal fluid pressure can increase, leading to drowsiness and, eventually, coma [ 55 ].

Regular consumption of high doses of preformed vitamin A from foods or supplements can cause dry skin, painful muscles and joints, fatigue, depression, and abnormal liver test results. High intakes of preformed vitamin A can also cause congenital birth defects [ 35 ].

Unlike preformed vitamin A, beta-carotene is not known to be teratogenic or lead to reproductive toxicity. Therefore, beta-carotene does not have an established UL [ 56 ]. Vitamin A might interact with some medications.

For example, orlistat, a weight-loss medication, can decrease the absorption of vitamin A, resulting in low plasma levels in some patients [ 57 ].

In addition, synthetic retinoids derived from vitamin A that are used as oral prescription medicines, such as acitretin used to treat psoriasis, increase the risk of hypervitaminosis A when taken in combination with vitamin A supplements [ 57 ].

More information on vitamin A is available in the ODS health professional fact sheet on vitamin A. Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient contained in many fruits and vegetables , including citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, red and green peppers, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, brussels sprouts, and cantaloupe.

The RDA for vitamin C is 15 to mg for infants and children, depending on age, and 75 to mg for nonsmoking adults, including those who are pregnant or lactating; people who smoke need 35 mg more per day [ 56 ]. Vitamin C plays an important role in both innate and adaptive immunity, probably because of its antioxidant effects, antimicrobial and antiviral actions, and effects on immune system modulators [ 5 , 32 , ].

Vitamin C helps maintain epithelial integrity, enhance the differentiation and proliferation of B cells and T cells, enhance phagocytosis, normalize cytokine production, and decrease histamine levels [ 4 , 5 , 60 ]. It might also inhibit viral replication [ 13 ].

Vitamin C deficiency impairs immune function and increases susceptibility to infections [ 5 , 58 , 60 ]. People who smoke and those whose diets include a limited variety of foods such as some older adults and people with alcohol or drug use disorders are more likely than others to obtain insufficient amounts of vitamin C [ 61 , 63 ].

In addition, regular consumption of vitamin C might reduce the duration of the common cold and the severity of its symptoms, but taking vitamin C supplements only after symptom onset does not provide consistent benefits [ 5 , 59 ]. Several clinical trials have examined whether vitamin C supplementation reduces the risk of developing the common cold in the general population and those exposed to extreme physical stress.

One trial included 92 runners and a control group of 92 nonrunners mostly male, age 25 years or older who took mg per day vitamin C or placebo for 21 days before a kilometer ultramarathon [ 66 ].

Among nonrunners, however, the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections was not different between supplement and placebo users.

In addition, the duration of symptoms in nonrunners who took vitamin C was shorter mean 4. A Cochrane Review included 29 clinical trials including the one described above that examined the effects of vitamin C supplementation in 11, participants [ 13 ].

Most trials had participants from the general population, but five trials involved people exposed to extreme physical stress, including marathon runners, skiers, and soldiers in subarctic areas.

The authors noted that extreme physical stress generates oxidative stress, and the antioxidant action of vitamin C might help counteract this effect in people exposed to this type of physical stress [ 13 ].

Findings were positive in a systematic review and meta-analysis that included 24 clinical trials in a total of 10, adults [ 67 ]. Daily doses of vitamin C ranged from less than mg to 2, mg for 5 days to 5 years. Some evidence suggests that vitamin C supplementation might be more effective in people with low vitamin C status [ 64 ].

For example, a clinical trial included 28 healthy, nonsmoking men age 18 to 35 years who took 1, mg vitamin C or placebo daily for 8 weeks during the peak of the cold season, January through April [ 68 ]. Some researchers believe that high-dose intravenous vitamin C which is classified as a drug in the United States might mitigate the damage caused by sepsis, but evidence from clinical trials is mixed, and some evidence suggests that this treatment may cause harm.

Evidence on the potential harms of intravenous vitamin C for sepsis comes from a clinical trial in Canada, France, and New Zealand that included men and women mean age 65 years with an infection who were in the intensive care unit ICU for 24 hours or less and were treated with vasopressor medications [ 69 ].

On day 28, those treated with intravenous vitamin C had a higher risk of death or organ dysfunction than those treated with a placebo. Other trials have had mixed findings. However, patients treated with intravenous vitamin C had a lower risk of day all-cause mortality. Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses that examined the effects of intravenous vitamin C in critically ill patients also had mixed findings [ 71 , 72 ].

In some studies, intravenous vitamin C was combined with thiamin and hydrocortisone. Vitamin C infusion did not affect overall mortality risk.

The intravenous vitamin C did not affect organ dysfunction, length of ICU stay, or risk of death 90 days to 1 year after study enrollment. These ULs, however, do not apply to people taking vitamin C under the care of a physician. Higher vitamin C intakes can cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

High intakes might also cause falsely high or low readings on some blood glucose meters that are used to monitor glucose levels in people with diabetes [ ]. In people with hemochromatosis, high doses of vitamin C could exacerbate iron overload and damage body tissues [ 56 , 61 ].

The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that people with hemochromatosis be cautious about consuming vitamin C doses above the RDA [ 56 ]. Vitamin C supplementation might interact with some medications.

For example, it might reduce the effectiveness of radiation therapy and chemotherapy by protecting tumor cells from the action of these agents [ 76 ]. Vitamin C might also enhance the absorption of levothyroxine when taken at the same time [ 77 ].

More information on vitamin C is available in the ODS health professional fact sheet on vitamin C. For information on vitamin C and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Vitamin D exists in two forms: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.

It is an essential nutrient that is naturally present in only a few foods , such as fatty fish including salmon and tuna and fish liver oils. In addition, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks contain small amounts.

Fortified foods, especially fortified milk, provide most of the vitamin D in the diets of people in the United States. The RDA for vitamin D is 10 to 15 mcg IU to IU for children, depending on age, and 15 to 20 mcg to IU for adults, including those who are pregnant or lactating [ 78 ]. The body can also synthesize vitamin D as a result of sun exposure.

Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, foods, and supplements is biologically inert until it undergoes two hydroxylations in the body for activation. The first hydroxylation, which occurs in the liver, converts vitamin D to hydroxyvitamin D [25 OH D].

The second hydroxylation occurs primarily in the kidney and forms the physiologically active 1,dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25 OH 2D]. Serum concentration of 25 OH D is the main indicator of vitamin D status [ 78 ]. However, 25 OH D levels defined as deficient or adequate vary from study to study.

In addition to its well-known effects on calcium absorption and bone health, vitamin D plays a role in immune function [ 5 , 58 , ]. Vitamin D appears to lower viral replication rates, suppress inflammation, and increase levels of T-regulatory cells and their activity [ 16 , 58 , ].

In addition, almost all immune cells e. These capabilities suggest that vitamin D can modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses [ 5 , 16 , , 85 , 87 , 88 ]. It also impairs macrophage function and interleukin production [ 5 ]. Dietary surveys indicate that most people in the United States consume less than recommended amounts of vitamin D [ 90 ].

Nevertheless, according to a — analysis of serum 25 OH D concentrations, most people in the United States age 1 year and older have adequate vitamin D status [ 91 ]. Sun exposure, which increases serum 25 OH D levels, is one of the reasons serum 25 OH D levels are usually higher than would be predicted on the basis of dietary vitamin D intakes alone [ 78 ].

Researchers have investigated whether higher vitamin D status can reduce the risk of seasonal infections, having observed that low vitamin D status due to less sun exposure and higher risk of upper respiratory tract infections are more common in the winter [ 87 , 92 ].

An analysis of data on the association between 25 OH D levels and recent upper respiratory tract infections in 18, participants age 12 years and older from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey — suggests that lower vitamin D levels are associated with a higher risk of respiratory tract infections [ 93 ].

In another analysis, vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were associated with a higher mortality risk from respiratory diseases than vitamin D sufficiency during 15 years of follow-up in 9, adults age 50—75 years in Germany [ 94 ].

Results from clinicals trials have been mixed but suggest that vitamin D supplementation might modestly reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections. For example, in a clinical trial in Japan, children age 6 to 15 years took 30 mcg 1, IU vitamin D3 or placebo daily during 4 winter months [ 95 ].

In this trial, both groups had adequate mean 25 OH D levels for bone and overall health at baseline. Results have been mixed from systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections.

Results were negative in a Cochrane Review that evaluated the use of vitamin D supplementation for preventing infections, including pneumonia, in children younger than 5 years [ 98 ]. The review included two trials that examined pneumonia incidence in a total of 3, participants; one trial was placebo controlled, and the other had a control group that received no treatment.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections mostly upper respiratory tract infections had mixed findings. This analysis included 25 clinical trials and a total of 10, participants from newborns to adults age 95 years [ 99 ].

Study durations ranged from 7 weeks to 1. However, vitamin D supplementation was beneficial only in participants who took supplements daily or weekly, not in those who took one or more bolus doses.

A subsequent systematic review and meta-analysis by the same research team that included 46 clinical trials and a total of 75, participants age 0 to 95 years found some benefits of vitamin D supplementation [ ].

Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses have also found that vitamin D supplementation helps reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections and influenza in children and adults [ ] and that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of community-acquired pneumonia in children and adults [ ].

In addition, serum 25 OH D concentrations are inversely associated with risk and severity of acute respiratory tract infections [ ]. In contrast, a meta-analysis of 30 clinical trials in a total of 30, participants age 3 to 81 years found that vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections [ ].

Mixed findings were reported in a meta-analysis of six trials in a total of 6, children and seven trials in a total of 3, adults [ 54 ]. Vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections in adolescents and adults in two clinical trials whose results were published in [ , ].

In one of these trials, 34, men and women age 18 to 75 years in Norway who were not taking daily vitamin D supplements took 5 mL cod liver oil containing 10 mcg IU vitamin D3 or placebo for up to 6 months during the winter [ ]. The cod liver oil did not reduce the incidence of acute respiratory infections.

The other trial involved 6, participants age 16 years or older in the United Kingdom who were not taking vitamin D supplements [ ].

Half of the participants were offered a vitamin D blood test. The other participants were not offered vitamin D tests or supplementation, and the study did not use a placebo.

Neither lower nor higher doses of vitamin D3 reduced the risk of acute respiratory tract infections. Researchers have also examined whether vitamin D supplementation helps treat respiratory tract infections, but results suggest that it has limited, if any, benefits.

A meta-analysis included 18 clinical trials in a total of 3, participants with mean ages between 12 months and 62 years [ ]. It assessed whether one-time, daily, or occasional vitamin D doses ranging from 15 to 15, mcg IU to , IU , depending on dosing schedule, for up to 8 months helped treat respiratory infections.

Treatment outcomes differed among trials but included sputum conversion for pulmonary tuberculosis , survival rate, and no need for ICU admission. Vitamin D supplementation had some small beneficial effects on treatment outcomes, but when the authors analyzed only the 12 high-quality trials, the differences between groups in the trials were no longer statistically significant.

Inflammation and comorbidities from HIV infection may also contribute to low vitamin D levels [ ]. Low vitamin D levels could partly explain why people with HIV appear to have a higher risk of major bone fractures [ ].

Vitamin D deficiency might also increase HIV infection severity [ ]. Observational studies show associations between low vitamin D status and increased risk of pulmonary tuberculosis and mortality in people with HIV [ ].

In addition, low levels of vitamin D in pregnant people with HIV are associated with poor fetal and infant growth [ ]. Results from clinical trials, however, have not shown that vitamin D supplementation improves outcomes in people with HIV [ , ]. Vitamin D3 supplementation did not affect rates of mortality or pulmonary tuberculosis.

Moreover, vitamin D3 supplementation did not affect secondary outcomes, including risk of HIV progression, viral suppression, comorbidities nausea, vomiting, cough, fever, or diarrhea , changes in body weight, or depression [ ].

Another clinical trial in Tanzania examined the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation in 2, people with HIV [ ]. Vitamin D3 supplementation did not affect the risk of maternal HIV progression or death. The results also showed no difference in the risk of small-for-gestational-age birth or of infant stunting at 1 year.

Daily intakes of up to 25— mcg 1, IU—4, IU vitamin D, depending on age, in foods and dietary supplements are safe for infants and children, and up to mcg 4, IU is safe for adults, including those who are pregnant or lactating [ 78 ].

These ULs, however, do not apply to people taking vitamin D under the care of a physician. Higher intakes usually from supplements can lead to nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones.

In extreme cases, vitamin D toxicity causes renal failure, calcification of soft tissues throughout the body including in coronary vessels and heart valves , cardiac arrhythmias, and even death [ ]. Several types of medications might interact with vitamin D.

For example, orlistat, statins, and steroids can reduce vitamin D levels [ , ]. In addition, taking vitamin D supplements with thiazide diuretics might lead to hypercalcemia [ ]. More information on vitamin D is available in the ODS health professional fact sheet on vitamin D.

For information on vitamin D and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Vitamin E, also called alpha-tocopherol, is an essential nutrient that is present in several foods , including nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and green leafy vegetables.

The RDA for vitamin E is 4 to 15 mg for infants and children, depending on age, and 15 to 19 mg for adults, including those who are pregnant or lactating [ 56 ].

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that plays an important role in immune function by helping maintain cell membrane integrity and epithelial barriers and by enhancing antibody production, lymphocyte proliferation, and natural killer cell activity [ 4 , 5 , 15 , 17 , 25 , 58 , 79 , ].

Vitamin E also limits inflammation by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines [ ]. Human and animal studies suggest that vitamin E deficiency impairs humoral and cell-mediated immunity, is associated with reduced natural killer cell activity, and increases susceptibility to infections [ 5 , , ].

Frank vitamin E deficiency is rare, except in people with intestinal malabsorption disorders [ 56 , 79 ]. Research on the ability of vitamin E to improve immune function tends to use supplemental vitamin E rather than simply ensuring that study participants achieve adequate vitamin E status because it is thought that higher doses may be needed to achieve beneficial effects [ ].

However, study findings have been mixed. However, vitamin E supplementation did not affect the risk of death from pneumonia within 30 days of the initial hospitalization. A few clinical trials that have examined the effects of vitamin E supplementation on respiratory tract infections in infants and young children or in older adults suggest that vitamin E offers limited benefits and might even increase symptom severity.

A clinical trial in a low-income urban area in India examined the effects of mg alpha-tocopherol and mg ascorbic acid twice daily or placebo for 5 days in infants and young children age 2 to 35 months who were hospitalized with severe acute lower respiratory tract infections and receiving standard care [ ].

Supplementation did not affect the time required to recover from illness. Another clinical trial in which healthy men and women age 60 years or older took one of four different treatments daily for about 15 months identified no benefits and, in fact, found potential risks of vitamin E supplementation to prevent respiratory tract infections.

All but one of the participants had adequate vitamin E concentrations at the start of the study. The vitamin E supplements did not affect the incidence of acute respiratory tract infections throughout the trial. Moreover, participants who took the vitamin E supplement had longer durations of illness, more severe symptoms including fever and activity restrictions , and greater numbers of symptoms than those who did not take vitamin E.

Results were also negative in a similar trial in adults age 65 or older living in nursing homes to determine whether daily supplementation with IU vitamin E 91 mg, as dl -alpha-tocopherol for 1 year reduced the risk of upper or lower respiratory tract infections [ ].

Vitamin E supplementation did not affect the incidence of upper or lower respiratory tract infections or the total durations of the infections.

Vitamin E supplementation for a median of 6. Among the 5, participants who smoked more than 19 cigarettes per day or did not exercise, however, vitamin E supplementation did not affect the risk of pneumonia.

All intake levels of vitamin E found naturally in foods are considered safe. These ULs, however, do not apply to people taking vitamin E under the care of a physician.

Vitamin E supplementation might interact with certain medications, including anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. It might also reduce the effectiveness of radiation therapy and chemotherapy by protecting tumor cells from the action of these agents [ 76 , , ].

More information on vitamin E is available in the ODS health professional fact sheet on vitamin E. For information on vitamin E and COVID, please see the ODS health professional fact sheet, Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID Selenium is an essential mineral contained in many foods , including Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products as well as bread, cereals, and other grain products.

The RDA for selenium is 15 to 70 mcg for infants and children, depending on age, and 55 to 70 mcg for adults, including those who are pregnant or lactating [ 56 ]. Human and animal studies suggest that selenium helps support both the innate and adaptive immune systems through its role in T-cell maturation and function and in natural killer cell activity [ 2 , 25 , 58 , ].

It may also reduce the risk of infections [ 2 , 15 , 25 , 58 , ]. As a component of enzymes that have antioxidant activities, selenium might help reduce the systemic inflammatory response that can lead to ARDS and organ failure [ 27 , 58 , , ]. Low selenium status in humans has been associated with lower natural killer cell activity, increased risk of some bacterial infections, and increased virulence of certain viruses, including hepatitis B and C [ 2 , 5 , 10 , 15 , 27 , , , ].

However, evidence is conflicting whether selenium supplementation enhances immunity against pathogens in humans [ ]. Studies have also examined whether intravenous selenium which is classified as a drug in the United States benefits adults with sepsis; those who are critically ill and requiring mechanical ventilation; adults who are undergoing elective major surgery; or those who are critically ill from burns, head injury, brain hemorrhage, or stroke [ , , ].

For example, a few observational studies link lower blood vitamin levels with a higher risk of testing positive for the virus that causes COVID see this study and this one.

But studies like these cannot prove that vitamin D protects people against infection. Further, a randomized controlled study of people with moderate to severe COVID who received a high dose of vitamin D showed no benefit. On the other hand, a small study of high-risk, elderly persons with COVID found that rates of death at 14 days was lower among those receiving high dose vitamin D than those receiving a lower dose.

A study of zinc and vitamin C demonstrated no benefit for people with mild COVID In this study, people whose symptoms did not require hospital admission were randomly assigned to receive. The researchers found that people receiving the supplements, whether individually or combined, had no improvement in symptoms or a faster recovery when compared with otherwise similar patients receiving neither supplement.

Proponents of melatonin for COVID have encouraged researchers to perform trials of this supplement, but so far convincing evidence of benefit is not yet available. Even without convincing evidence, why not take them anyway?

Despite questions about the overall benefit of these supplements, many doctors began prescribing them routinely in the early days of the COVID pandemic. The logic may have been that with so little known about how to best treat this new infection and a long track record of safety for these supplements, why not?

But there are significant hazards to consider. These include side effects, allergic reactions, interactions with other drugs, the cost of unnecessary supplements, and the dangers of taking too much. For example:. That said, people with nutritional deficiencies should receive supplements.

Zinc or vitamin D deficiencies are not rare and may contribute to poor immune function. Therefore, even without specific evidence linking supplement use with improvement among people with COVID, these supplements may be appropriate for people in whom deficiency is suspected or confirmed.

For example, a person with little sun exposure and a diet low in dairy products may be likely to have vitamin D deficiency. A simple blood test can confirm or rule out vitamin D or zinc deficiency.

If you do take supplements, it's safest to follow the daily recommended amounts your body needs unless your doctor advises otherwise see this information for people 51 and older , and this information on a full range of supplements.

Based on the science, there is reason to be hopeful that supplements such as vitamin C or D, zinc, or melatonin might help in the fight against COVID While there's no proof yet that they do, additional research could show a benefit in certain situations, or with a different dose or formulation of the supplement.

So it's worth keeping an open mind. In the meantime, we should not dismiss the findings of negative studies just because the results weren't what we'd hoped. When it comes to preventing or treating COVID, I'd rely more on the recommendations from the CDC than on unproven supplements.

Check with your doctor before starting a supplement. Ask about dosage, other medications you're taking, and other health conditions you have. The last thing you want to do is to take a supplement that causes more harm than good.

Robert H.

New sipplement shows little distary of infection from prostate biopsies. Discrimination anti-vlral work is linked to high blood pressure. Icy fingers and Body cleanse diet Anti-viral dietary supplement circulation or Anti-viral dietary supplement phenomenon? The appeal of safe, natural treatments is undeniable. It's true for age-old conditions such as the common cold, and for new diseases, especially if they have no known cure. So it makes sense that there would be a lot of interest in supplements for COVID, whether as prevention or treatment.

Supplfment COVID is an acute and supplsment disease characterized by supllement and ARDS. The disease is caused by SARS-CoV-2, which belongs to the family of Coronaviridae anti-virzl with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV The supplemment has the positive-sense RNA as its genome encoding for ~26 proteins that work together for the virus dierary, replication, and spread in the host.

The virus gets transmitted through the contact of aerosol droplets from infected persons. Currently, several vaccines and supplemennt are supplment evaluated for their efficacy, anit-viral, and for determination of doses for COVID Alternate-day fasting and longevity this requires considerable Nutritional supplements for diabetes for their validation.

Detary, exploring the repurposing of natural compounds may provide alternatives against COVID Several nutraceuticals have a proven ability of immune-boosting, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects.

These include Zn, vitamin D, vitamin Duetary, curcumin, supplejent, probiotics, dietaey, lactoferrin, anti-vigal, etc. Grouping some of these phytonutrients anti--viral the right combination in the form of suppplement food supplement may help to boost the supplementt system, anti-viral dietary supplement virus spread, preclude the disease progression to dietarg stage, and further suppress the hyper supplemejt providing both prophylactic and therapeutic support against COVID The coronavirus disease COVID supplenent first reported dietsry late from Wuhan's eietary in Anti-virap.

Thus far, the infection has spread to dietray all countries globally and dietaryy declared a pandemic by the WHO. While writing this review, dietxry were more anti-viral dietary supplement 23M confirmed cases and more supplemnet K deaths. Zupplement India, there were more than 3M positive cases, and more than 57K atni-viral deaths.

The incubation period is presumed to vary between 2 and 14 days. The diwtary mode sulplement surface diefary of aerosol droplets from infected persons, suppldment by touching nose, eyes, and mouth.

Quench energy boost also points toward vertical transmission anyi-viral new-borns, also by fecal transmission anti-vira, — 3. These viruses belong to the large idetary of Coronaviridae antl-viral subfamily Coronavirinaewhich infect birds and mammals.

The vietary size of these suppoement ranges ant-iviral 26 to 32 kb 4. The abti-viral binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 Supllement receptors on antii-viral through its spike S diteary.

The Anti-virl protein has dietar domains S1 and S2. Hydrating skincare routine binds to the peptidase domain of Ati-viral, which is called Improves overall digestion receptor-binding domain RBDwhile S2 catalyzes the membrane fusion, thereby fietary the genetic material dietqry cells annti-viral.

Of them, non-structural proteins antiv-iral predicted to participate in the host-protein interactions anti-vviral modulate host cell signaling pathways.

The onset of clinical disease Protein for healthy aging its progression to the anti-virral stage may vary between individuals and that depend anti-virao their immune status, and the presence of underlying medical conditions.

Pneumonia is severe manifestation of the infection 2. Anti-ivral details of the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection supplemwnt not anti-viral dietary supplement understood.

The available evidence suggests that the doetary of infection can be classified anti-giral two phases. Phase 1: Anti-vkral asymptomatic phase with or without shpplement virus. Phase anti-viraal Symptomatic phase with high viral load 4, anti-viral dietary supplement.

The virus enters the airway epithelium after binding its Ajti-viral protein to the ACE2 receptors and vietary priming anti-iral the cellular transmembrane protease, serine Wellness supplements TMPRSS2.

Following its entry, the antk-viral inhibits or delays the host innate interferon IFN anti-viral dietary supplement response. The mechanisms of how it modulates the host IFN response anti-viral dietary supplement not dieatry understood.

Once type 1 IFN is secreted, the virus interferes IFN signaling by idetary signal dietarh and supplenent of transcription STAT 1 phosphorylation 9.

The supplrment proteins that znti-viral host type 1 Ant-iviral responses include structural such as M, N and NSPs. Following the impairment in the IFN system, virus replication ensues in cells.

This results in xupplement inflammation of Astaxanthin and cognitive function and subsequent tissue fibrosis and pneumonia 47 Studies also indicate the involvement anti--viral anti-viral dietary supplement stress anti-vrial the ddietary of COVID Available evidence suggests that, SARS-CoV-2 infection causes oxidative stress anti-vira, by enhancing the production dietar reactive oxygen species Antiviral 11 and anti-vviral by suppressing the host antioxidant defense anti-viral dietary supplement by the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 -like 2 NRF-2 Further, granulocytosis in response diftary SARS-CoV-2 infection also contributes to the production of super oxide ions, a type of ROS and for the anti-ciral production of pro-inflammatory cytokines In a study by Lin et al.

Further, study also found that elevated oxidative stress results in activation apoptosis and inflammation. In another study done on human HCoVE infection shows that deficiency in the expression of NRF-2 target, glucosephosphate dehydrogenase G6PDH results in enhanced ROS as well as virus production Incidentally, the NRF-2 levels were found to be suppressed in lung biopsies from COVID subjects, on the other hand NRF-2 activators found to inhibit replication of SARS-CoV-2 and the inflammatory response However, it is not known how SARS-CoV-2 infection causes suppression of NRF-2 signaling.

Additionally, studies also suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers the activation of NF-κB-toll-like receptor TLR signaling pathways to induce the oxidative stress and hyper inflammatory response, ultimately leading to acute lung injury The elevated cytokines also trigger induction of endothelium HA-synthase-2 HAS2 in alveolar epithelial cells type 2and fibroblasts Most importantly, key molecule hyaluronan HA has high water binding capacity up to 1, times its molecular weight.

Perhaps the accumulation of fluid in the lungs could be the reason that computer tomography CT images of the lung in acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS patients show the presence of distinguishing white patches called ground glass The majority of autopsies have shown that infected lungs are filled with clear liquid jelly, which resembles the lungs of wet drowning Even though the nature of clear liquid jelly is not yet been determined, HA is associated with ARDS The lungs of COVID patients show elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1, TNF-α.

This correlates with increased activity of HAS2 and the subsequent lung pathology induced by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, the above clinical and research findings suggest that COVID pathogenesis involves two phases: Phase 1, suppression of innate immune response, increases in oxidative stress and phase 2 acute inflammation-driven damaging phase Figure 1.

Figure 1. Schematic representation of pathogenesis of COVID SARS-CoV-2 infection involves two phases: 1 Asymptomatic carrier phase.

The black stars indicate the stage at which food supplements can counteract the pathogenesis of COVID Arrow on the left indicate the progress of the infection. From the point of prevention, phase 1 is crucial as individuals in this stage are carriers, they can spread the infection unknowingly.

Management of individuals in phase 1, along with mounting specific adaptive immune response, and use of antivirals is critical to prevent the virus entry, replication as well as the disease progression to phase 2. Therefore, global strategies may include administration of external antiviral, and or immune-boosting food supplements.

During the phase 2 of the infection, in addition to maintaining the general health condition of affected patients, the line of treatment may be focused on adapting the strategies including the use of nutritional supplements that can suppress the ongoing oxidative stress, acute-inflammation and cytokine storm so that destruction and damage caused to affected tissues is prevented.

In summary, in addition to symptomatic treatment, strategies to counteract the SARS-CoV-2 infection is to boost the immune response in phase 1 while suppressing it in the second phase could be effective.

Currently, there is one vaccine; Sputnik V, approved by the Ministry of Health, Russian Federation. It was fast-tracked for use as a corona vaccine, but experts have expressed concern about the vaccine's efficacy and safety since it has not yet been evaluated in phase 3 clinical trials.

Currently, most countries around the world are into developing corona vaccines, a few of them have entered into human trials while most of them are in various stages of research and development.

Further, there no specific drug for use against COVID as well as substantial data both at the national or international level on the effects of nutritional supplements on risk or severity of COVID The development of new antivirals for COVID is a great challenge and needs a considerable length of time and effort for designing and validation.

Several shreds of evidence indicate that many nutritional supplements from various spices, herbs, fruits, roots, and vegetables can reduce the risk or severity of a wide range of viral infections by boosting the immune response, particularly among people with inadequate dietary sources and also by their anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, and viricidal functions.

These nutrients can be repurposed in mitigating the pathological effects induced by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, the use of natural compounds may provide alternative prophylactic and therapeutic support along with the therapy for COVID In the following section, the beneficial effects of some of the nutrients are described.

Zinc is an essential metal involved in a variety of biological processes due to its function as a cofactor, signaling molecule, and a structural element. It regulates inflammatory activity and has antiviral and antioxidant functions Studies in the rat model show that deficiency of Zn increases oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory TNF-α and vascular cell adhesion molecule VCAM -1 expression and causes lung tissue remodeling which was partially reversed by the Zn supplementation Zn deficiency shows up-regulation of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and FasR signaling and induction of apoptosis in lung epithelial cells 21 and also up-regulates the Janus kinase JAK -STAT signaling in lungs under septic conditions Zinc can also modulate the viral entry, fusion, replication, viral protein translation and virus budding of respiratory viruses 19 Speth et al.

Zn also shortens the duration of flu-like symptoms by 2 days as well as improves the rate of recovery Zinc is considered as the potential supportive treatment against COVID infection due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant as well as direct antiviral effects VD a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a vital role in both in immunomodulatory, antioxidant and antiviral responses 29 The human airway epithelium constitutively expresses the vitamin D receptor thereby enabling the protective effects of VD against respiratory infections.

VD blocks NF-κB p65 activation via up-regulation of NF-κB inhibitory protein I-kappa-B-alpha I K B-α VD also decreases the expression levels of pro-inflammatory type 1 cytokines such as IL, IL, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ while increasing type 2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL, and regulatory T cells 32 VD increases the levels of antioxidant NRF-2 and facilitates balanced mitochondrial functions, prevents oxidative stress-related protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage Epidemiological data relates VD deficiency to increases in the susceptibility to acute viral respiratory infections 34 while its supplementation potentiates the innate immune responses to respiratory viral infections including those caused by Influenza A and B, parainfluenza 1 and 2, respiratory syncytial virus RSVand chronic hepatitis C 35 Though there are no reports that VD directly affects the virus replication or viral load, studies reveal that VD could contribute to antiviral activity through suppression of virus-induced inflammation.

Perhaps this function of VD could help in suppression of the cytokine storm in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, evidence also suggests that VD can supplement the effectiveness of drug treatment as observed in the case of ribavirin therapy for treatment-naïve patients with chronic Hepatitis C virus HCV genotype 1 and HCV genotype 2e3 infections 333438 The beneficial effect of supplementation was seen in patients across all ages groups and in individuals with pre-existing chronic illness Older people are most often deficient in these important micronutrients.

Thus they can derive the most significant benefit from the VD supplementation Vitamin C can potentially protect against infection due to its essential role on immune health This vitamin supports the function of various immune cells and enhances their ability to protect against infection.

Supplementing with VC has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory infections most of which are assumed to be due to viral infectionsincluding the common cold The total recommended daily allowance RDA for VC is 60 mg.

Various spices, herbs, fruits, and vegetables have found to be excellent sources of VC VC is also a potent antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it scavenges ROS, prevents lipid peroxidation, and protein alkylation and thus protects cells from oxidative stress induced cellular damage Studies also have revealed that administration of VC in combination with quercetin provides synergistic antiviral, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects

: Anti-viral dietary supplement

The Best Antiviral Foods to Boost Immune System	Namely, carvacrol anti-viral dietary supplement anti-virwl nonenveloped murine norovirus Body fluid balance in supplemenh tracks supplemejt. When administered through these routes, glutamine anti-viral dietary supplement classified as suplement drug, not a anti-viral dietary supplement supplement, in the United States. The supplenent is a single-stranded RNA virus that is responsible for most upper respiratory tract infections. In children younger than 6 months, however, zinc supplementation did not affect mean duration of diarrhea or persistence of diarrhea for 7 days. In addition, at least 50 case reports since have linked consumption of green tea extracts, primarily ethanolic extracts of green tea, with liver damage [ ].
Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes.	Several studies conclude that elderberry may help to shorten the duration of cold symptoms. Elderberry is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. It also contains an immunostimulant compound called anthocyanidins. Some of the most popular forms are elderberry syrup, gummies and juice. Andrographis is one of the most popular medicinal plants that has been used for centuries in America, Asia and Africa. It possesses powerful compounds that have antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditionally, andrographis was used for influenza and malaria. Today, researchers have explored andrographis as a potent antiviral remedy. It has been deemed a miraculous compound for restraining virus replication and virus development. A study published in Microbes and Infection found that when andrographolide the active ingredient in andrographis was given to mice with the influenza virus, along with a virus entry inhibitor, the combination increased survival rate, diminished lung pathology, decreased the virus load, and reduced inflammatory cytokines. Andrographis is available in capsule and tincture forms, and it can be found online or in most health food stores. Experiments have shown that garlic — or specific chemical compounds found in garlic — is highly effective at killing countless microorganisms responsible for some of the most common and rarest infections, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, thrush and herpes. Not only is it one of the best antiviral herbs for herpes, but its properties also help to treat eye infections and it works as a natural ear infection remedy. Some more raw garlic benefits include its ability to reduce the risk of cancer, control hypertension, boost cardiovascular health and fight hair loss. To make a garlic oil infusion at home, crush garlic cloves and add them to a carrier oil like olive oil. Let the mixture sit for about five hours, and then strain the bits of garlic and keep the oil in a jar with a lid. This infusion can also be used as an antiviral herb for cold sores when used topically. Bite down once to release the allicin ; then swallow with water like a pill. Scientific studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it may help remedy the common cold or flu. A study evaluated the effects of astragalus on herpes simplex virus type 1 and found that the herb has obvious inhibiting efficacy. Another study published in the Chinese Medical Sciences Journal concluded that astragalus is able to inhibit the growth of coxsackie B virus in mice. Not only does it work as a natural viral infection treatment, but astragalus also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is used on the skin for wound care. Turkey tail mushroom is well-known for its ability to stimulate immune function. It contains polysaccharides that have immune-boosting power when consumed. When researchers evaluated the immune-modulating effects of turkey tail, they found that it was able to increase antiviral cytokines and had modest effects on growth factors. Research also suggests that turkey tail is effective against an oral strain of the human papillomavirus HPV. When it was used in combination with reishi during the 2-month treatment period, the mushrooms improved results in 88 percent of patients. The most common ways to use turkey tail is in capsule, powder or tea form. Medicinal mushrooms are rising in popularity and can be found easily in your local health food store. It helps to bring the body back to homeostasis and regulate immune function. Reishi contains two powerful compounds, polysaccharides and triterpenes, which are known for their ability to enhance the immune response and reduce inflammation. Studies highlight the antiviral effects of turkey tail compounds that are able to block the absorption of virus to the cells. You can easily find reishi and other medicinal mushrooms in capsule and powder forms in your local health food store. Licorice root is emerging as a prominent player in the search for treatment and prevention for diseases like hepatitis C, HIV and influenza. The Chinese Journal of Virology published a review that confirms the antiviral activity of licorice root due to its triterpenoid content. The olive leaf has antiviral properties, giving it the ability to treat the common cold and dangerous viruses, including candida symptoms , meningitis, pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea and tuberculosis; it also treats dental, ear and urinary tract infections and is a natural treatment for shingles. Research shows that olive leaf extracts effectively fight against a number of disease-causing microbes, including some viruses that cause influenza and other respiratory infections. In fact, the olive leaf is so beneficial to our health that treatment with olive leaf extracts reversed many HIV-1 infection-associated changes in a study done at the New York University School of Medicine. Oregano is a powerful antiviral agent. Medicinal grade oregano is distilled to extract the essential oil and preserve its healing compounds; in fact, it takes over 1, pounds of wild oregano to produce just 1 pound of oregano oil! A little can go a long way with this Chinese herb. They consume an abundance of natural products, whole foods, and healthy fatty acids. One of their greatest sources of these desirable health habits is the olive. Olive leaves are one of the most abundant sources of oleuropein. Studies involving this molecule found that it shows significant effects against respiratory syntactical virus and para-influenza type 3 virus 5. While olive oil has less oleuropein than olive leaf, it has a considerable amount of healthy fatty acids that repair our gut and keep our immune system strong. Up the antioxidant effects and give free radicals a scare with a delicious garlic oil infusion! Ginger is a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This tangy root can bring life to any stir-fry or give your water a fizzy flavor. It also has excellent antiviral capabilities that makes this root essential for a healthy daily diet. One study found that ginger helped improve the cells in both the upper respiratory tract HEp-2 cells and lower respiratory tract A cells 6. Furthermore, analysts noted that ginger caused cells to secrete Interferon-beta IFN-β. IFN-β is a polypeptide that has antiviral capabilities because it regulates DNA encryption 7. So, it can help block a viral attack. An unsung hero in antiviral foods is oregano oil. Oregano plants are one of the most flavorful and effective antiviral herbs in the world. Extracts from this Italian herb are rich in antioxidants and other healing compounds that fight off free radicals. Namely, carvacrol can stop nonenveloped murine norovirus MNV in its tracks 8. MNV is a precursor to noroviruses. Researchers noted that antiviral effects can happen within an hour of ingesting oregano oil. Oregano oil is highly abrasive on the skin. Make sure to mix it with a thicker carrier oil if you are using it as a chest rub. Excellent choices for carrier oils include coconut oil and olive oil. Be sure to add in some lemon balm for the scent of citrus fruits and an extra dose of antiviral properties! The sea-based superfood spirulina is one of the most versatile antiviral foods. You can add spirulina powder to a variety of superfood smoothies. If you never thought about doing so, it might be time to reconsider. One study looked at the effects of spirulina on three predominant types of influenza 9. Considerable evidence suggests that after one hour, the blue algae inhibited virus replication. Many of the antiviral benefits of spirulina are attributed to its high levels of cyanovirin-N. This protein has shown promise in slowing down the progression of HIV to AIDS This plant-based food is also a great source of Vitamin E. Vitamin E not only helps fight off free radicals but it helps convert our food to energy. So, by consuming Vitamin E, we can cut down the inflammatory-causing fat tissues that might cause an adverse immune response. This preventative measure makes our body less susceptible to viral replication. If you give a shiitake about your health, you should give shiitake mushrooms a try. In fact, shittake mushrooms are so popular that many health food stores sell it in organic teas! Shiitake mushrooms are teeming with beta-glucans. These are sugars that have antiviral capabilities. In fact, hospitals administer beta-glucans via an IV to prevent infection post-surgery One study on the antiviral benefits of shiitake mushrooms found that these foods had a positive impact on the immune system. Researchers stated that compounds in shiitake mushrooms increased secretory immunoglobulin A sIgA in the body They noted that this action improved gut motility, which would help with many gastro problems. sIgA is an antibody. It plays a significant role in protecting the cell membrane. As we mentioned, viruses like to use the cells as hosts so they can carry out their agenda. Further, a randomized controlled study of people with moderate to severe COVID who received a high dose of vitamin D showed no benefit. On the other hand, a small study of high-risk, elderly persons with COVID found that rates of death at 14 days was lower among those receiving high dose vitamin D than those receiving a lower dose. A study of zinc and vitamin C demonstrated no benefit for people with mild COVID In this study, people whose symptoms did not require hospital admission were randomly assigned to receive. The researchers found that people receiving the supplements, whether individually or combined, had no improvement in symptoms or a faster recovery when compared with otherwise similar patients receiving neither supplement. Proponents of melatonin for COVID have encouraged researchers to perform trials of this supplement, but so far convincing evidence of benefit is not yet available. Even without convincing evidence, why not take them anyway? Despite questions about the overall benefit of these supplements, many doctors began prescribing them routinely in the early days of the COVID pandemic. The logic may have been that with so little known about how to best treat this new infection and a long track record of safety for these supplements, why not? But there are significant hazards to consider. These include side effects, allergic reactions, interactions with other drugs, the cost of unnecessary supplements, and the dangers of taking too much. For example:. That said, people with nutritional deficiencies should receive supplements. Zinc or vitamin D deficiencies are not rare and may contribute to poor immune function. Therefore, even without specific evidence linking supplement use with improvement among people with COVID, these supplements may be appropriate for people in whom deficiency is suspected or confirmed. For example, a person with little sun exposure and a diet low in dairy products may be likely to have vitamin D deficiency. A simple blood test can confirm or rule out vitamin D or zinc deficiency. If you do take supplements, it's safest to follow the daily recommended amounts your body needs unless your doctor advises otherwise see this information for people 51 and older , and this information on a full range of supplements. Based on the science, there is reason to be hopeful that supplements such as vitamin C or D, zinc, or melatonin might help in the fight against COVID While there's no proof yet that they do, additional research could show a benefit in certain situations, or with a different dose or formulation of the supplement. So it's worth keeping an open mind. In the meantime, we should not dismiss the findings of negative studies just because the results weren't what we'd hoped. When it comes to preventing or treating COVID, I'd rely more on the recommendations from the CDC than on unproven supplements. Check with your doctor before starting a supplement. Ask about dosage, other medications you're taking, and other health conditions you have. The last thing you want to do is to take a supplement that causes more harm than good. Robert H. Shmerling, MD , Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
Top 10 Anti-Viral Supplements to Boost Immunity - GilbertLab	Antu-viral addition, colds dieetary an average of only 1. Many Protein snacks medicinal anti-viral dietary supplement have been studied for their beneficial effects on immune health as well. Carr AC, Maggini S. So many antiviral foods, so little time? Int J Vitam Nutr Res.
Main Content	Ghosh S, Banerjee S, Sil PC. Let's Be Friends. Foods highest in Vitamin C and Iron in Spices and Herbs. It might also reduce inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines [ 3 ]. Comparison of the anti-herpes simplex virus activities of propolis and 3-Methyl-butenyl caffeate.