Can supplements really BOOST MY IMMUNITY? VITAMIN D

IT’S IMPORTANT TO LOOK PAST THE SPIN

Isaw 56-year-old Donna yesterday. Since she had COVID six months ago, she has hardly gone three weeks without a new cough or cold. Her partner is fine, but she almost permanently has a scratchy throat or an upset tummy or runny nose! “What should I take to boost my immune system?” she asked.

Walk into any chemist or the health food aisle of your local supermarket, and you will be bowled over by supplements claiming they “support immunity” or “boost recovery”. These claims are pretty flaky. Here’s why:

ZINC

While some studies seem to show a slightly smaller number of coughs and colds for zinc supplement takers, studies haven’t consistently shown they can help your immune system to fight infections or to avoid immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

VITAMIN C

Similarly, vitamin C is critical for immune system function. And yet the data to substantiate the use of vitamin supplements to support a healthy immune system are patchy. A couple of studies show they might reduce the duration of the common cold a little bit.

There is pretty clear evidence that vitamin D deficiency on a blood test makes you more vulnerable to all manner of viral infections, including COVID. We just don’t have evidence that taking a supplement

will reverse that.

SELENIUM

Again, the data that this nutrient is essential for good immune system functioning is convincing. But the evidence that a supplement will help your immune system is very thin.

WHY A HEALTHY DIET MATTERS

Malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies and diets that are low in nutrients can negatively affect your healthy immune system.

But singling out one vitamin or nutrient within someone’s diet can be too simplistic. When you eat a tomato or capsicum, you will get a nice vitamin C dose, but also fibre and a cocktail of other nutrients, too. Who’s to say which nutrient is responsible for the health benefits of a vegie-packed diet?

That’s why doctors and dietitians often recommend an all-round healthy diet for immunity boosting.

Fruit and vegies provide nutrients that can boost immune function.