Immune System Supplementation

Zinc

Contrary to popular belief, zinc supplementation has not been found to aid in preventing COVID-19. There is, however, some evidence for its use in the common cold.
- The majority of clinical trials show decrease in the duration of symptoms of common cold in those who used zinc lozenges
Dietary sources: oysters, shellfish, liver, beef, lamb, pork, legumes, milk, wheat bran
- Vegetarians and alcoholics are often at risk for zinc deficiency
Dosing:
- Limit is 40 mg/day elemental zinc for general supplementation
  - Take with food to minimize nausea and vomiting
- Common cold dosing >75 mg/day elemental zinc
  - 9-24 mg lozenges taken every 2 hours while awake (at least 75 mg/day), starting within 48 hours of symptom onset
Side effects: stomach upset

Vitamin C

While there is no strong evidence for its use in COVID-19, some experts suggest taking 200 mg/day to help prevent it. There is also some evidence for its use in the common cold.
Dietary sources: citrus fruits and certain vegetables such as broccoli
Dosing:
- Dependent on indication
  - Dose 200 mg/day for prevention of respiratory illness
- Rarely exceed 400 mg/day
  - However, doses of 2 grams daily have shown benefit in decreasing duration of the common cold, with doses going as high as 3 grams daily for temporary usage
Side effects: Nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, kidney stones

Vitamin D

Elderberry

Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that elderberry aids in preventing COVID-19. There is, however, some evidence for use in influenza, and limited evidence for use in the common cold.
Dosing:
- Influenza: 15 ml of extract four times daily for 3-5 days
Side effects: GI upset

Stop into Cedar Springs Pharmacy today for more information, or to pick up some of these immune system supplements!

Information compiled from Natural Medicines database by Erin Drylie, Pharm.D Candidate 2023, Ferris State University.