Supplements during COVID

The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements has come out with a fact sheet called Dietary Supplements in the Time of COVID-19. Here are some highlights.

Elderberry. Sales of elderberry supplements more than doubled shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began in the U.S. It’s said to reduce inflammation, help fight viruses and relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu. But those conclusions are mostly based on preliminary laboratory and animal research. It hasn’t been studied for COVID-19. Do not use if you are pregnant.

Ginseng. There are many types, and the effect it has depends on the variety or varieties used in the supplement, as well as your unique mix of intestinal microbes. Animal and laboratory studies suggest ginseng stimulates the immune system.

Omega-3 fatty acids. It’s not known if omega-3s can reduce the risk or severity of COVID-19. There was one self-reported (not high-quality) study of 372,720 U.K. residents that found that taking omega-3 supplements more than three times a week for at least three months was associated with a 12% reduction in the risk of contracting the virus.

Vitamins C and D. Vitamin C is important for the innate and adaptive immune systems. It might also inhibit viral replication. Deficiency impairs immune function and increases susceptibility to infections — but only 7% of Americans are deficient.

Vitamin D helps your immune system do its job and seems to lower viral replication rates, suppress inflammation and increase levels of T-regulatory cells. D deficiency increases susceptibility to infection and has been associated with influenza, hepatitis C and other viral diseases. There’s not enough data, says the ODS, to recommend for or against using vitamin D to prevent or treat COVID-19. But, since most Americans are deficient, we recommend you continue to take it for other reasons, including bone strength and digestive health.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare. com.