The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated masking guidelines since this was written. Get the latest information.
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.
FAQs
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.
What are the benefits of taking vitamin C vitamin D and zinc? ›
When you think of the key health benefits of zinc, vitamin D and vitamin C, you might jump straight to things like maintaining reproductive health, helping to build strong bones and supporting a well-functioning immune system, respectively. And you'd be right.
Do vitamin C and zinc help the immune system? ›
Therefore, both nutrients play important roles in immune function and the modulation of host resistance to infectious agents, reducing the risk, severity, and duration of infectious diseases. This is of special importance in populations in which insufficient intake of these nutrients is prevalent.
Can you take vitamin D and zinc together? ›
Vitamin D could also induce zinc transporters to regulate zinc homeostasis. Together, zinc and vitamin D in adequate concentrations help maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system and beyond; however, deficiency in either of these nutrients can result in various disorders affecting almost all body systems.
Can you take oregano oil and vitamin C together? ›
As a combination, supplemental oregano essential oil and vitamin C decreased corticosterone concentration (P < 0.05). Supplemental oregano essential oil and vitamin C, as a combination, resulted in a decrease in the serum concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, and MDA (P > 0.05).
What happens if you take vitamin C and zinc every day? ›
Taken in recommended quantities, you should not experience any negative side effects from taking vitamin C and zinc supplements. You could be taking too much if you experience any of the following side effects: Upset stomach. Headaches.
How long does it take for vitamin C and zinc to work? ›
People who take vitamin C plus zinc to lessen the duration of a cold typically report fewer symptoms, such as a runny nose, over five days of treatment.
Is it good to take vitamin C and zinc when you're sick? ›
Both vitamin C and zinc are effective at boosting the immune system. However, you can't boost your immune system enough with these two nutrients while battling a cold. Instead, you need to be using these supplements year-round to avoid the common cold in the first place.
Does zinc calm the immune system? ›
Takeaways. Zinc is an essential mineral that boosts your immune system, helps with wound healing, and supports normal growth and development. Your body doesn't make it, so you need to get enough from zinc-rich foods, like oysters, beef, and beans.
What vitamins Cannot be mixed with zinc? ›
If you're taking a Zinc supplement, don't take it at the same time as Copper, Iron, or Phosphorus supplements. Instead, space them out a couple hours apart. [5] In general, large amounts of minerals taken at the same time as other minerals will reduce absorption of each other.
Although supplements do not reduce the risk of dying from COVID, vitamins C and D and zinc are essential nutrients that help support your immune system.
What not to mix with zinc supplements? ›
Don't take zinc at the same time as iron or calcium supplements. A strong relationship exists between zinc and copper. Too much of one can cause a deficiency in the other. If you take zinc, including zinc in a multivitamin, you should also take copper.
Does oil of oregano fight viruses? ›
Today, many people still use it to fight infections and the common cold despite its renowned bitter, unpleasant taste. Although more research is needed into the health benefits of oregano oil, studies have confirmed that it has the following properties: Antimicrobial. Antiviral.
What are the most powerful antiviral essential oils? ›
The essential oils of cinnamon, bergamot, lemongrass, thyme, lavender have been reported to exert potent antiviral effects against influenza type A virus. The essential oil of Citrus reshni leaves has been shown to be effective against H5N1 virus.
Does oil of oregano help with cough? ›
Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough. Oregano also might help with digestion and with fighting against some bacteria and viruses. People use oregano for wound healing, parasite infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
