The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned against bogus medicines and cures that claim to treat the coronavirus infection since the start of the pandemic. This also includes everyday supplements, which are believed to decrease the risk of relieving symptoms of the infection and keep it from becoming severe.
Two of the most common supplements a large number of people have taken in the past year in the hopes of reducing the risk of catching the virus or managing symptoms are vitamin C and zinc.
According to research on both of the supplements, they can be beneficial and provide essential nutrients. In addition, they may also help in avoiding different health conditions in people but only when they are needed.
Since it is difficult for normal people to determine whether they need any supplementary medicine, consulting a doctor and only taking supplements when they are recommended is fundamental.
Taking supplements without discussing with a healthcare provider can have the opposite effect and do more harm than good. In the case of coronavirus infection, supplements are also not required unless given by a doctor which is also unlikely to happen.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open further shows that even if they are prescribed to patients with coronavirus infection, they do not make a significant difference in the severity of their symptoms.
The investigation, which was conducted by researchers from Cleveland Clinic examined the impact of taking vitamin C, zinc, or a combination of both on the duration and severity of the infection.
One of the leading researchers, Dr. Suma Thomas, who is also a specialist in cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic said that the assumption of supplements’ ability to relieve symptoms of viral infections did not start with coronavirus pandemic.
Also Read: Working From Home Can be More Stressful than In-person Jobs
In fact, there is a long history of people claiming to manage colds and infections using supplementary medicine only. Many use it for treating their flu symptoms so it is no surprise that people assume supplements can relieve coronavirus.
The coronavirus pandemic gave an opportunity to explore further the effectiveness of supplementary medicine in controlling viral infections.
The results of the investigation debunked not only the myth of using supplements as a treatment but also clarified the fact that there are actually no at-home treatments for coronavirus infection.
If there any medicines or cures marketed as a treatment for the infection, they are fake and can cause adverse effects. Therefore, any such cures should be avoided.
For the treatment of coronavirus infection, always visit a hospital or a coronavirus facility center as soon as possible.
In case of exposure to the virus, follow guidelines from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to know about quarantine, avoiding virus spread, and management of infection.
People who are at a higher risk of developing severe coronavirus infection such as older adults and people with underlying health issues should be extra cautious regarding the treatment and get medical help as soon as possible in order to avoid complications.
