Did we think we’d be here, in 2022, still writing about COVID-19? Nope, but thanks to the latest variant Omicron, we’re eager to show our immune systems a little TLC.
No matter how much we wish it did, all the supplements and vitamins in the world aren’t going to completely cure or prevent us from contracting COVID-19. However, it’s still as important as ever to ensure we are keeping our bodies fighting fit.
As the symptoms of coronavirus typically mimic those of the flu (think fevers, sore throats and dry coughs), supplements like vitamin C, D and even zinc will work to enhance our immune system and better prepare us to fight respiratory illnesses.
And at the very least? It’s a bit of peace of mind. “Right now, if you’re concerned about catching the coronavirus or any other virus, taking a basic multivitamin every day is a safe way to potentially ensure you’re not deficient in any area [of basic vitamins/minerals],” said Dr. Tod Cooperman to Everyday Health. Not only that, “eating well, getting good sleep, and exercising will also help keep you [stay] as healthy as possible and keep your immune system strong,” he said.
So after consulting with your doctor, here are three nutrients and minerals that’ll help boost your immune system and keep your body in top form to fight any viruses that may come its way.
Vitamin C
Antioxidants like vitamin C work to support your immune system and fight disease. A deficiency in vitamin C has long been associated with poor immunity and a higher risk of contracting infections. In more severe cases, a deficiency could lead to pneumonia or scurvy.
As a means of preventing respiratory illnesses, a study via the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews assessed marathon runners, skiers, and army troops who exercised intensely in very cold temperatures, and found that a supplement intake of 200 mg of vitamin C every day reduced the chance of contracting a cold by 50 per cent.
bh loves: Swisse Ultiboost Vitamin C Chewable ($15.99, Chemist Warehouse)
Better yet? Try incorporating vegetables high in vitamin C like broccoli, brussel sprouts and cauliflower into your diet.
Vitamin D
If you’re blessed with year-round sunshine, skip over this. But for those who aren’t getting their adequate amount of UV rays (safely of course) a vitamin D deficiency might be on the cards.
Low levels of vitamin D are often associated with frequent colds and respiratory conditions. In fact, during a trial published by BMJ, it was found that vitamin D reduced the odds of respiratory infection by 42 per cent in people who were deficient at the commencement of the study.
So if you think you might be lacking the sunshine vitamin and have consulted with your doctor, try Swisse Ultiboost Vitamin D ($24.99 at Chemist Warehouse).
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in the healthy functioning of our eyesight, brain development, immune system and wound healing. It even helps to promote the health of sperm.
As for its links to COVID-19? While there are no studies to prove its direct impact, zinc has long been touted as a method for warding off the common cold, particularly when taken within the first 24 hours of symptoms and even more so in the form of a throat lozenge like the Nature’s Way Zinc Lozenge with Vitamin C ($6.40, iHerb) which is said to work by inhibiting virus activity in the throat just as the infection is beginning to spread.
However, as our bodies only need a minimal amount of zinc, it’s important to consult your doctor to ensure you are only consuming the amount required.
For other general immune-boosting supplements, bh loves: Kynd Rest, Restore+ Immunity 30s ($19.99, Chemist Warehouse)
Do you take any supplements? If so, which ones?
So glad I have all of these in the cabinet! I need to boost my families immune system fast because my eldest daughter (21) has just returned a positive rapid test after spending new years with friends, now I’m terrified we are all going to get it 🙁
Good luck Helen .l hope all your family stay well and your daughter recovers quickly xx
i hope you don’t get it Helen
Fingers crossed for you & the rest of the fam, HelenP5!
Thanks everyone. So far so good. My daughter has only experienced very mild symptoms & is isolating in her room as much as possible. The rest of us haven’t developed any symptoms yet but do another test on Wednesday (Day 6) & we have everything crossed that we all come back negative.
Hope you’re staying well Helen!
I’m taking a collagen and gut health elixer from Habitual Beauty, it is a good all-rounder, not just for skin but general wellbeing and good health.
No supplements. Just optimal health over the last decade trough healthy eating and healthy lifestyle. Not even a sniffle , let alone a stuffed nose.
I do take vitamins but at the end of the day in my opinion I don’t think there is anything that will stop someone from getting Covid.
No not if you look after your health hopefully if you catch Covid you will be in a better position to recover quickly
nothing will stop you – this article is irresponsible, , vaccines prevent serious illness and hospilasations
hospitalisations …. i mean. also i appreciate the article but its not a smart idea
wash your hands limit interactions wear a mask get vaccinated but its everywhere … too late
I agree – I don’t think taking these steps would make a difference.
Being healthy can help you throw off illness’s and hopefully not succumb as much and sure not a cure
I take a multivitamin daily, probably won’t prevent someone from catching covid though. Getting my booster shot today.
I take zinc and magnesium on a regular basis to assist with sleep
Vaccination is the best protection against Omicron. My view is that these supplements will do nothing to protect you against catching the virus, although they may assist in recovery and symptom severity.
Our family takes every precaution and so far we haven’t caught covid, but with the crazy high numbers in NSW, it feels like it’s just a matter of time. If we catch it, I only hope we won’t require hospitalization because our poor health care workers are already under so much pressure.
i hope these will aid recovery too
Good advice, especially with Vitamin D. Lots of people due to working long hours indoors and not getting enough exposure to sunlight suffer from Vitamin D deficiency. It’s good to build your immune system but I doubt doing what this article says will stop you catching Covid
This is good to know!
I usually take multivitamins.
I take Vitamin D supplements, but my doctor put me on those after diagnosing a deficiency through a blood test. I don’t like to prescribe things for myself.
Well said, @Misfortune8 – I’ve also been diagnosed vitamin D deficient, not really surprising as I avoid the sun but this was done through blood testing and then doctor’s recommendation.
Supplements aren’t going to help ‘shield’ anyone from Omicron, I’m afraid!
If you are at your peak health it may help you throw off Omicron or flu etc
I regularly take vitamin D due to low levels in my blood test. However, I have mixed feelings about supplements. My thinking is that our bodies can absorb nutrients from food but I’m not so sure how easy it is to absorb supplements as the majority of them are synthetic.
I prefer to eat healthy but do take zinc and magnesium in small doses as there are less zinc in the soil now than there used to be
I had the same problem and now my blood test are really good. Keep taking and check out your next blood test.
I have had a problem with not being able to absorb the D3 I had been taking for several years and my levels have not increased. Most of the D is made from lanolin and my body didn’t like it. Recently I started taking a plant based D3 so I’m hoping that my levels increase.
I’ve been taking all three! In fact I pretty much take them all year round
I always have vitamin C & fish oil.. but i like the idea of Zinc. Vitamin C is a important supplement in my life
I’ve been craving Orange Juice a lot since mid-last year. My body must have been prepping me against Omicron lol
I like my Armourforce too
Thanks for this article! X
Although I get plenty of sunshine I am still short of vitamin D and I take one every day. Seems to help with my iron levels.
Definitely been getting plenty of Vit D!
Good to know – I think I get plenty of all of these by eating a healthy diet.
I take vitamin C regularly but will be looking more into zinc too
I have been taking these 3 along with others for the last couple of years but as others have mentioned it comes down to health and lifestyle
Sounds great in theory but didnt work for me.
I work with special needs children so I took all the immune boosters I could. I was triple vaxed for covid. I was closely exposed to covid with two of my special needs kids catching it. Both of them are ones that dribble a lot. I did not get covid. I was exposed to Influenza A with one of the kids catching it. I was exposed on the Thursday and on Sunday morning my symptoms started. I was not vaxed for the flu. I was so sick that for 2 days i couldnt get out of bed and being asthmatic it was a nightmare. I was very close to being in hospital and only just managed to avoid it.
I put the fact i didnt get covid down to the protection I have with the vaccines.
Thanks for the advice.