Supplementation in times of Coronavirus

April 13, 2020 by Margarita Correa0
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Even though there’s no proven scientific evidence of supplements to treat Coronavirus, why not support our immune system!

Diet and nutrition invariably influence the immune system competence and determine the risk and severity of infections.

The macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytonutrients in diet, mainly the fruits and colorful vegetables, generally promote healthy immune responses.

These micronutrients and phytonutrients provide the antioxidants and the anti-inflammatory nutrients, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenolic compounds, which modulate the immune functions.

The anti-inflammatory strategy, either by foods, nutrients, or medicines, is a viable option.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient with several roles in your body. It’s a potent antioxidant, meaning it can neutralize unstable compounds in your body called free radicals and help prevent or reverse cellular damage caused by these compounds.

It’s also involved in a number of biochemical processes, many of which are related to immune health.

Dose: Vitamin C 1,000 – 2,000 mg a day.

Vitamin D3

The risk of viral infections can be reduced by vitamin D. The related mechanisms comprised of stimulation of defensins and cathelicidins that can decrease the replication of virus and increase levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as decreasing concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines that induce inflammation-related pneumonia.

While the natural source of vitamin D is from sunlight exposure, some dietary sources can provide a certain amount of vitamin D, including the fortified cereals and milk.

Dose: 1,000 – 5,000 units per day. Highest dose considered for Vitamin D deficiency.

Selenium

As the integral part of several selenoproteins, including the glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases, selenium has a critical role in the defense against viral infection through its antioxidant, redox signaling, and redox homeostatic contributions.

Selenium deficiency is associated with increased pathogenicity of several virus infections.

In the deficient state, the selenium supplementation is helpful for the prevention and treatment of viral infections.

Dose: 100 – 200 mcg a day. Higher dose increases risk of toxicity.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential micronutrient with the crucial contributions to most enzymatic functions and the transcription regulations in the human body.

Zinc is essential for normal function and development of cells regulating nonspecific immunity, including natural killer cells and neutrophils.

Research has shown that zinc has antiviral effects; it improves immune responses and suppresses viral replication.

Dose: 15 – 30 mg a day.

Don’t forget to maintain a good immune system eat nutritious foods, including vegetables and fruits, stay active performing daily exercise routine, and improve the quality of your sleep.


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