Vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc were not found to lessen a patient’s chance of dying from COVID-19
A new review of COVID-19 hospitalization data by researchers at The University of Toledo in the US has found that taking immune-boosting supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc do not lessen your chance of dying from COVID-19.
Early in the pandemic, healthcare providers tried a variety of micronutrients as potential therapies for the new illness. More recently, supplements have been promoted by some as an alternative to the safe and proven vaccines.
However, the researchers said there’s been little evidence those strategies work, despite the enduring interest in them.
Their analysis found no reduction in mortality for those being treated with vitamin D, vitamin C or zinc compared to patients who did not receive one of those three supplements.
They also did find that treatment with vitamin D may be associated with lower rates of intubation and shorter hospital stays, but the researchers say more rigorous study is needed to validate that finding.
Vitamin C and zinc were not associated with shorter hospital stays or lowering the chance a patient would be put on a ventilator.
Researchers caution that the study shouldn’t be interpreted as saying vitamin and mineral supplements are bad or should be avoided, but rather make it clear that they are not effective at preventing COVID-19 deaths.