Can vitamins help prevent COVID-19?

Ok, disclaimer – please remember that no vitamin or supplement will prevent or cure a virus like COVID-19. Sorry folks! That said, vitamins that are proven to make you healthier in general could, many argue, mean that you’re better placed to fight off the nasty virus if it ever strikes. That’s why we’ve rounded up five of our favourite supplements for a healthy immune system and explained what they’re designed to do for our bodies. These are general recommendations for all, but there are naturally multivitamins that are best for women, for men, for children and so on. Let’s dive in…

Vitamin D

It’s known as the Sunshine Vitamin, as we get Vitamin D from sun exposure (and certain dairy foods), and it comes with a ton of benefits. Most importantly, it helps to regulate the amount of phosphate and calcium in our bodies, which keep our bones, muscles and teeth healthy. Vitamin D is said to decrease blood pressure and stress levels and help you lose weight. It contains properties that help us absorb minerals from food properly, and is widely used by pregnant women to ensure they’re growing a healthy baby. Vitamin D is thought to reduce the risk of flu, diabetes, depression and, finally, respiratory diseases. Perhaps why there’s been so much talk about Vitamin D and protection from Covid-19. So far, no studies have been r substantiated.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is arguably the most sought-after vitamin used to protect against infection, because it’s well-known for promoting a healthy immune system. How? Well, it supports the function of the system’s cells, plus it aids what’s known as cellular death – the process of old cells dying and the regeneration of new ones. It’s found in citrus fruits, spinach, Brussel sprouts and kale, among other foods.

Vitamin E

Just like Vitamin C, Vitamin E helps your body to fight off infections. It aids some 200 biochemical reactions in the body, and is essential for a functioning immune system. As for where to find it? Look into fatty plant foods, such as peanut butter and peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and oils such as sunflower oil and coconut oil.

Zinc

Another superhero for a healthy immune system, Zinc is a must-have mineral. It shares some parallels with Vitamin C, as it supports cell regeneration and function, but it also has an important part to play when it comes to inflammatory response – your body’s natural response to injury or infection. Zinc can help keep yucky diseases like pneumonia at bay. Up to 30% of adults are thought to be deficient in Zinc. You’ll find Zinc in red meat, poultry, oysters, chickpeas and baked beans.

Iron

Iron is another great mineral to armour your body with, as it aids healthy growth and hormone development. Iron helps to make something known as haemoglobin, a type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. You can source iron from seafood favourites like oysters, clams and mussels, tuna and sardines. Not a fish lover? Fear not, you also get Iron from the likes of kale, broccoli and beans.