What supplements to take for COVID 19 prevention?
I have been asked this question very frequently, and here is the list of supplements which can help you shield yourself from this infection under the supervision of your doctor:
a) Vitamin D: Maintain optimum levels of Vit D 70 to 90. Please check your levels before you start supplementing.
b) Vitamin C: maintaining a good level of Vitamin C is crucial for optimum immunity against all infections.
c) N Acetyl Cysteine: This is an amino acid that helps keep organs of detoxification functioning optimally as well as is a mucolytic and therefore prevents lung disease study researchers think that a medication called N-acetylcysteine can help fight the COVID-19 virus by boosting a type of cell in your immune system that attacks infections. By helping your immune system fight the virus, the researchers think that the infection will get better,
d ) Zinc: Zinc deficiency in individuals depresses immune function in humans. The body requires zinc to develop and activate T-lymphocytes, which are immune cells required to fight this infection. Increased intracellular zinc concentrations inhibit RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and other proteins essential for the completion of different phases of the virus life cycle. Further, zinc also helps to maintain robust immune responses.
e) Quercetin: Quercetin is a widely distributed plant flavonoid, found in several food products such as grapes, cherries, berries, red apples, citrus fruits, onions, broccoli, buckwheat, etc…
Studies suggest quercetin displays a wide range of antiviral properties which can interfere at multiple steps of virulence -virus entry, virus replication, protein assembly- and that these therapeutic effects can be augmented by the co-administration of vitamin C. that quercetin supplementation promotes antioxidant cell activity, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and has been found to have immunoprotective effects.
f) Coenzyme Q10: Normally produced in our body during the energy-generating pathway it is a very crucial enzyme produced during the energy-generating pathway. In stressful situations Coq10 levels drop, also various medications taken for cholesterol-lowering or for Blood pressure control can lead to depletion of this very important antioxidant. It has been observed that patients suffering from COPD, Asthma, levels of Coq10 are lower in these patients. If taken as a supplement it will certainly help reduce symptoms of underlying comorbid conditions as well as help as an antioxidant, helps reduce blood vessel wall damage.
g) Quality probiotic will help keep your gut balanced and will increase the population of a healthy gut microbiome. This helps improve the absorption of nutrients.
h) B complex Vitamins
Therefore if you think you are at high risk to catch this infection, it is prudent to take the above-mentioned supplements in consultation with your health care provider and keep yourself safe.
Dr Kalpana Shekhawat M.D.
Functional medicine specialist
Chairperson FMMA
Founder Director of Freedom Age