Experts Warn Against Overdosing On Vitamins During COVID-19 Outbreak

Even since the news of the pandemic broke out and the severity of the outbreak was revealed; people have been on a wellness overdrive.

There seems to be a desperate attempt to up one’s vitamin intake in a bid to combat contracting the novel coronavirus, leading to an unprecedented spike in the sales of orange juices and Vitamin C supplements. While the rush seems to be reasonable—boosting one’s immunity does minimize the chances of being tested positive for COVID-19— is there any clear-cut evidence as yet?

As reported in a recent report; the sales of orange juices and Vitamin C skyrocketed in March—with a 27% and 146% jump respectively. Despite there being no proof of advanced nutrition upping the body’s preparedness to fight the COVID-19, it is believed that a healthy schedule that makes time for exercise, nutrition, and adequate amount of sleep can act as a great defense.

Hinting at how nutritional compounds like vitamin C, antioxidants and zinc do wonders to keep the virus away, Lona Sandon, an associate professor in the department of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center said, “(These nutrients) work with our immune system and help it function more effectively.” While adding, “But if you are already getting them from food, evidence and research does not promote the need to take more.”

Asserting how it made little sense to overdo the regular Vitamin dose; another expert opined how the emphasis should rather be on being balanced in terms of nutrition as excess intake can backfire. Spreading out the multivitamin intake by splitting it into two is recommended.

“Take a half a multivitamin in the morning and in the evening,” said Michael Roizen, chief wellness officer for Cleveland Clinic. “You urinate out the water-soluble components within 12 hours or so, so to keep a steady level, take part in it in the morning and the other part at night.”

Citing how it all boils down to making wise choices, Sandon added how nothing compares to basic nutrition and working towards creating healthy building blocks of the immune system. “Start with a healthy baseline diet, and if you cannot get your needs met in some way, maybe you do need a vitamin,” said Sandon.