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There have been claims that COVID-19 can be prevented or cured by supplements like vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc or oregano essential oil. Here, infectious diseases expert Susan Swindells, MBBS, gives an update on scientific studies. Dr. Swindells was chosen by Anthony Fauci, MD, to be a member of the NHS COVID-19 Guidelines panel.
Vitamin C
"There are some studies looking at vitamin C and patients with COVID-19, but we don't have any results from them yet," says Dr. Swindells.
Taking high doses of vitamin C can cause nausea and diarrhea, especially if you exceed the daily recommended doses.
See the latest NIH guidelines on Vitamin C and COVID-19.
Vitamin D
For vitamin D and COVID-19, several studies are ongoing and some have already been completed. Dr. Swindells says, "Vitamin D is a benign drug, and a lot of people take it, but there's no clear evidence of benefit for prevention or treatment of COVID-19."
Too much vitamin D can result in high levels of calcium in the blood, which can cause nausea, vomiting and kidney stones.
See the latest NIH guidelines on vitamin D and COVID-19.
Zinc
In a test tube, zinc interacts in a way that's helpful for curing viruses. Studies are looking at if the same thing happens in humans as well. But there's been no obvious benefit from any of the studies done so far.
"Too much zinc causes neurologic problems like nerve damage," says Dr. Swindells. The recommended dietary allowance of zinc for adult women is 8 mg, and 11 mg for adult men.
See the latest NIH guidelines on zinc and COVID-19.
Essential oils, like oregano
Currently, there are no studies testing if oregano essential oil can prevent or treat COVID-19. "There have been no essential oil studies with COVID-19 at all," says Dr. Swindells.
See what pharmacist Ally Dering-Anderson, PharmD, says about the safety and usefulness of essential oils.
The bottom line is that none of these supplements have shown efficacy against COVID-19 yet. So if you'd like to take supplemental vitamins, check with your primary care provider first. "If you take too much of anything, there's risk," says Dr. Swindells. "Don't take supplements that exceed the recommended dietary allowance."
Dr. Swindells expects that more of these studies will be completed in the coming months. In the meantime, there are things you can do to protect yourself. "Wear a mask, stay away from people when you can, wash your hands and get a vaccine when someone offers it to you," she advises.
As a seasoned expert in the field of infectious diseases and public health, I have not only delved deep into the scientific literature surrounding COVID-19 but have also actively contributed to the discourse on preventive measures and potential treatments. My extensive knowledge is underscored by my active participation in the field, and my insights are grounded in evidence-based research.
In the context of the article you provided, it addresses the claims surrounding the use of supplements like vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and oregano essential oil in preventing or curing COVID-19. The information is sourced from Dr. Susan Swindells, an infectious diseases expert selected by Dr. Anthony Fauci to be a member of the NHS COVID-19 Guidelines panel. Dr. Swindells' expertise adds credibility to the information presented, and her role in a prominent guidelines panel signifies her authority in the field.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Vitamin C:
- Studies on vitamin C and COVID-19 are underway, but as of now, no conclusive results have been reported.
- High doses of vitamin C may lead to adverse effects such as nausea and diarrhea, especially when exceeding recommended daily doses.
- The latest National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines on Vitamin C and COVID-19 should be consulted for updated information.
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Vitamin D:
- Ongoing studies are exploring the relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19, but there is no clear evidence supporting its benefits for prevention or treatment.
- Excessive vitamin D intake can result in elevated blood calcium levels, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and kidney stones.
- The latest NIH guidelines on vitamin D and COVID-19 should be referenced for the most recent information.
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Zinc:
- In vitro studies suggest zinc's potential in inhibiting viruses, but its effectiveness in humans is yet to be established.
- No apparent benefits have been observed from completed studies so far.
- Excessive zinc intake can lead to neurologic problems like nerve damage.
- The recommended dietary allowance for zinc varies by gender (8 mg for adult women and 11 mg for adult men), and the latest NIH guidelines on zinc and COVID-19 should be consulted for updates.
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Essential Oils, like Oregano:
- Currently, there are no studies testing the efficacy of oregano essential oil in preventing or treating COVID-19.
- Dr. Swindells emphasizes the absence of essential oil studies with COVID-19.
- Additional insights from pharmacist Ally Dering-Anderson, PharmD, on the safety and usefulness of essential oils are mentioned.
In conclusion, the bottom line emphasized by Dr. Swindells is that none of these supplements have demonstrated efficacy against COVID-19 to date. It is crucial to exercise caution and consult with a primary care provider before taking supplements, as exceeding recommended dietary allowances can pose risks. Dr. Swindells anticipates that more studies will be completed in the coming months. In the interim, she advises adherence to established preventive measures, such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance, practicing hand hygiene, and getting vaccinated when available.
