Do Vitamin D and Zinc Help Prevent Covid-19?

The Covid-19 vaccine is still a long way off for most of us, and our new normality is set to continue for now.

Many people are currently taking vitamin supplements to strengthen their immune system and help fight viruses like the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19.

Although some so-called preventive supplements should be avoided altogether (don’t use them, such as the use of bleach!), Taking vitamin D and zinc supplements can help boost your immune system.

But does it specifically prevent Covid-19?

At this point, the National Institutes of Health concludes that there is not enough evidence that vitamin D and zinc treat or prevent Covid-19.

But now that scientists have observed some of the benefits of vitamin D and zinc over coronavirus, let’s dig deeper into why these supplements can help fight such infections.

Low in vitamin D

Previous studies have shown that vitamin D, apart from Covid-19, reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections.

The benefits differed significantly between these studies, but vitamin D supplementation seemed to be more helpful to those who were deficient in it.

Conversely, this suggests that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of respiratory tract infections and can affect the severity of symptoms.

Recent studies show that Covid-19 mortality rates tend to be higher in countries far from the equator. In countries far from the equator, many people are prone to vitamin D deficiency due to low exposure to sunlight, especially during the winter months.

A study published in October (2020) supports the importance of vitamin D for a healthy immune system.

In this study, patients with low vitamin D levels were more likely to test positive for Covid-19.

This was true even when other factors that could exacerbate Covid-19, such as age, obesity, and other medical conditions, were taken into account.

Nonetheless, these studies are observational, meaning that researchers do not assign participants specific treatments, but collect data about them over time.

This means that it is almost impossible to show a direct causal relationship between vitamin D and Covid-19.

More randomized controlled trials are needed to actually prove the link.

In one such study, Spanish doctors treated 76 Covid-19 patients with hydroxychloroquine (formerly a promising treatment for Covid-19) and azithromycin (an antibiotic).

Doctors also prescribed calcifediol, the active form of vitamin D, to 50 random patients.

The other 26 patients did not receive vitamin D.

Only one patient who received vitamin D as part of treatment ended up in the intensive care unit (ICU).

However, half of the group who did not receive vitamin D ended up in the ICU.

The results of this study suggest that vitamin D may help manage the symptoms of patients with Covid-19 so that they do not require intensive care.

However, further investigation is needed to find out if this is correct.

Egg yolk is an excellent source of vitamin D. — Wikimedia Commons

How about zinc?

Zinc is a micronutrient that affects all organs and cells and is the second most common trace mineral found in the human body.

It plays an important role in regulating our metabolism and immune system.

Many long-term studies have shown that people with low zinc levels are more likely to develop infections and certain health conditions.

Zinc deficiency suppresses immune function.

Even mild or moderate zinc deficiency can impair the function of white blood cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, as well as natural killer cell and complement activity.

This is because zinc is involved in the development and activation of T lymphocytes. T lymphocytes interact with fellow special white blood cells to fight off harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria.

Therefore, it is clear that the immune system is compromised without proper zinc levels.

Some studies have shown that zinc may also help strengthen the immune system against Covid-19.

Spanish researchers reported in October (2020) that they discovered a link between lowering blood zinc levels in Covid-19 patients and worsening health.

They examined data from 611 patients who showed symptoms of Covid-19.

Of the 249 patients who died, their average blood zinc level was observed to be 43 micrograms per deciliter.

In contrast, survivors have an average blood zinc level of 63 micrograms per deciliter, which is close to normal levels.Most people usually get enough zinc from their diet, including oysters, lean meats, whole grains, and dairy products. — Filepic

Researchers concluded that low zinc levels in patients at admission increased inflammation during the infection process and worsened outcomes.

However, they added that further research is needed to assess the therapeutic effects of this association.

Another recently published article Journal of Medical Virology It was theorized that zinc could inhibit RNA (ribonucleic acid) viruses, including coronavirus, which could be the necessary antiviral effect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

This hypothesis was found in a 2010 study that found that zinc, when combined with ionophore, a chemical that transports ions across cell membranes, inhibits the replication of the coronavirus that causes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). It is partly based.

Immunity improvement

So should you take zinc and vitamin D supplements?

Zinc helps prevent the symptoms of colds from getting worse.

Most people get enough zinc from foods such as oysters, fortified cereals, beans, and dairy products.

However, some groups, such as vegetarians, people with gastrointestinal disorders, and people who drink excessive alcohol, are at increased risk of zinc deficiency and need to supplement their diet.

If you have a cold, you can take zinc supplements ranging from 13.3 milligrams to 23 milligrams every two hours within a week.

As with zinc, it is not yet known whether vitamin D will reduce the symptoms of Covid-19. However, given the benefits to the immune system, it’s a good reason to consider taking vitamin D supplements.

For most people, a daily supplement of 10 micrograms is sufficient.

Do not take more than 100 micrograms without supervision.

Vitamin D is also found in fatty fish, egg yolks, lean meats, and fortified cereals.

While zinc and vitamin D supplements are beneficial and recommended, keep in mind that they are not a substitute for washing your hands, wearing a face mask, or keeping a physical distance.

Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is an obstetrics and gynecology consultant and specialist in functional medicine. For more information, please send an email to starhealth @ thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and should not be construed as personal medical advice. The information published in this article is not intended to replace, replace, or reinforce your own medical professional consultation. Star We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness, or other guarantees regarding the content displayed in this column. Star We disclaim all liability for loss, property damage, or personal injury incurred directly or indirectly by reliance on such information.