COVID-19: Fauci says he takes vitamin D and C supplements to reduce his 'susceptibility to infection'

Updated Sep 13, 2020 | 13:42 IST

The leading infectious-disease expert, Dr Anthony Fauci recommends that people take vitamin supplements, especially with the schools resuming operations between COVID-19 pandemic, and the flu season nearing.

COVID-19: Fauci says he takes vitamin D and C supplements to reduce his 'susceptibility to infection' | Photo Credit: iStock Images

Key Highlights

Dr Anthony Fauci, in an interview revealed that he consumes vitamin D and C supplements to reduce his susceptibility to infections

He said he recommends that people should consume these supplements, especially with the flu season nearing

While science backs up the claims, it is important to know if you should self-medicate such supplements or not

New Delhi: Boosting immunity in every way possible is perhaps on number one priority for people all over the world, especially as it is touted as one of the key ways to reduce risk of complications due to COVID-19, with no vaccine or cure for the disease available as yet. Turns out, even the experts believe in ensuring the best immunity for the body, especially with the flu season nearing in the USA.

According to a report, the leading infectious-disease expert, Dr Anthony Fauci recommends that people take vitamin supplements, especially with the schools resuming operations between COVID-19 pandemic, and the flu season nearing.

For the uninitiated, Dr Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the USA. Speaking with actress Jennifer Garner in a social media live interview, Fauci mentioned that he himself takes vitamin C and vitamin D supplements to reduce susceptibility to infection, and suggests others to do the same, reported the Insider.

"If you're deficient in vitamin D, that does have an impact on your susceptibility to infection. I would not mind recommending, and I do it myself, taking vitamin D supplements," he said. "The other vitamin that people take is vitamin C because it's a good antioxidant, so if people want to take a gram or so of vitamin C, that would be fine."

Scientific evidence that vitamins boost immunity

Vitamin D and vitamin C, among other immunity-boosting nutrients, have become extremely popular this year, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Talking specifically of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, scientific evidence backs the claim made by Dr Fauci. Various studies over time have shown that vitamin C contains antioxidants that can help improve the body's ability to fight diseases, including COVID-19.

Vitamin D, on the other hand, is in fact being tested as a potential treatment for COVID-19 after studies showed that patients who were given the supplement showed fewer instances of ICU admissions and risk of death.

Should you self-medicate with vitamin supplements?

Deficiency in either vitamin has also been linked to a high risk of contracting the infection. However, while there is evidence to support the consumption of supplements, it is recommended that such supplements should only be consumed in consultation and with a prescription from a medical professional. Trying to include more vitamin-rich foods in your diet such as oranges, kiwi, dairy, fatty fish, etc can also help in fighting deficiencies, or boosting immunity.

Union Health Ministry recommends the use of Chyawanprash, Yogasana in post-COVID-19 care protocol

Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry, India, has shared guidelines on post-COVID-19 care that people must follow and has recommended the use of chyawanprash and Yogasana, apart from walks and other remedies as a way to boost immunity and fight the disease. Drinking warm milk with haldi or turmeric, or consuming mulethi every morning as a remedy for dry cough have also been recommended by the ministry.