Multivitamins
Generally speaking, a healthy immune system is required for keeping infections at bay. Whether it’s covid-19, the flu or any other illness, this adage is true. This includes getting ample rest, good and consistent sleep, staying well-hydrated, keeping positive and having nutritious meals. One part of this equation though is the “controversial” role of supplements. As far as I’m concerned, there is no controversy. Micronutrients such as a good multivitamins supplements work and they are worth their weight in gold. In other posts I’ll discuss specific micronutrients, but even if you don’t have time to take all of the rest in isolation, heed my tip and please take a daily multivitamin.
Here’s an abstract that speaks to the review of multivitamins.
Nutrients. 2020 Jan 16;12(1). pii: E236. doi: 10.3390/nu12010236.
A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System-Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection.
Gombart AF1, Pierre A2, Maggini S2.
Author information
Abstract
Immune support by micronutrients is historically based on vitamin C deficiency and supplementation in scurvy in early times. It has since been established that the complex, integrated immune system needs multiple specific micronutrients, including vitamins A, D, C, E, B6, and B12, folate, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium, which play vital, often synergistic roles at every stage of the immune response. Adequate amounts are essential to ensure the proper function of physical barriers and immune cells; however, daily micronutrient intakes necessary to support immune function may be higher than current recommended dietary allowances. Certain populations have inadequate dietary micronutrient intakes, and situations with increased requirements (e.g., infection, stress, and pollution) further decrease stores within the body. Several micronutrients may be deficient, and even marginal deficiency may impair immunity. Although contradictory data exist, available evidence indicates that supplementation with multiple micronutrients with immune-supporting roles may modulate immune function and reduce the risk of infection. Micronutrients with the strongest evidence for immune support are vitamins C and D and zinc. Better design of human clinical studies addressing dosage and combinations of micronutrients in different populations are required to substantiate the benefits of micronutrient supplementation against infection.
