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The Effect of Vitamin C and Zn Supplementation on the Immune System and Clinical Outcomes in Covid-19 Patients Publisher



Firouzi S1 ; Pahlavani N2 ; Navashenaq JG3 ; Clayton ZS4 ; Beigmohammadi MT5 ; Malekahmadi M5, 6
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Nutrition, School of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
  2. 2. Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
  3. 3. Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
  5. 5. Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Department, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Clinical Nutrition Open Science Published:2022


Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2) is the most dangerous form of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. In patients with severe COVID-19, the immune system becomes markedly overactive. There is evidence that supplementation with select micronutrients may play a role in maintaining immune system function in this patient population. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, significant emphasis has been placed on the importance of supplementing critical micronutrients such as Vitamin C and Zinc (Zn) due to their immunomodulatory effects. Viral infections, like COVID-19, increase physiological demand for these micronutrients. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to provide comprehensive information regarding the potential effectiveness of Vitamin C and Zn supplementation during viral infection and specifically COVID-19. This review demonstrated a relation between Vitamin C and Zn deficiency and a reduction in the innate immune response, which can ultimately make patients with COVID-19 more vulnerable to viral infection. As such, adequate intake of Vitamin C and Zn, as an adjunctive therapeutic approach with any necessary pharmacological treatment(s), may be necessary to mitigate the adverse physiological effects of COVID-19. To truly clarify the role of Vitamin C and Zn supplementation in the management of COVID-19, we must wait for the results of ongoing randomized controlled trials. The toxicity of Vitamin C and Zn should also be considered to prevent over-supplementation. Over-supplementation of Vitamin C can lead to oxalate toxicity, while increased Zn intake can reduce immune system function. In summary, Vitamin C and Zn supplementation may be useful in mitigating COVID-19 symptomology. © 2022 The Authors
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