A healthy immune system is considered to be very crucial in the fight against coronavirus. Since there is no treatment yet for the infection, experts have recommended that the best way to protect yourself is to boost your immunity. This is besides health protocols such as wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and practicing social distancing. Since the symptoms of the disease are the same as with flu and cold, vitamins, and health supplements could fight the virus in the same way it helps relieve flu and cold symptoms.
Vitamins You Can Take
1. Vitamin A
This helps improve eye health and fertility, supports cell growth, and boosts immune function. The daily dosage of vitamin A is 3,000 mcg as a pre recommendation. Natural vitamin A food sources are;
- Butter
- Cheese
- Salmon
- Cod liver oil
- Egg yolks
- Beef liver
- Cabbage
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Pumpkins
2. Vitamin B Complex
This type of vitamin might trigger the first response of your body’s immune system in preventing anemia and lessening symptoms of depression. Low levels of vitamin B could directly impact your cell metabolism, energy levels, and brain function. That is why experts have recommended obtaining it from supplements or foods. The recommended dosage of vitamin B will depend on nutrient demands, age, gender, and health condition. Natural vitamin food sources are;
- Egg products
- Meat milk
- Fish
- Vegetables
- Green leafy
- Fruits
- Legumes
- Cereals
3. Vitamin C
This is a water-soluble vitamin that does not get produced in the body. It is very important to have vitamin C-rich in your daily diet. Consumption of this vitamin can lessen the severity of flu and cold symptoms. The daily dosage is 90 mg per day for males and 75 mg per day for females as per recommendation from experts. Natural vitamin C food sources are;
- Grapes
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Oranges
4. Vitamin D
This is found to lessen the risk and symptoms of pneumonia and acute viral respiratory infections. It also plays an essential role in the maintenance of calcium-phosphorus metabolism and bone health. Your body acquires vitamin D direct from the sunlight. Most of us are spending much time indoors and this might increase the chances of lack of vitamin D. Also, there are very few food sources naturally containing vitamin D, and which is why oral supplements and food that are rich in vitamin D are often needed. Your vitamin D depends on various factors such as sun exposure, location, skin color, and age. The daily dosage of vitamin D is 25 to 100 mcg as per recommendation. Natural vitamin D food sources are;
- Milk
- Orange
- Egg yolk
- Mushrooms
- Salmon and mackerel
- Cod liver oil
5. Zinc
Zinc is one of the most vital micronutrients in your body that has an important role in enzyme synthesis, wound healing, and protein synthesis. This contains lots of antiviral properties that help enhance the antiviral immunity of the body. This also improves immune cell function in the elderly. The daily dosage of zinc is 8 mg per day for women and 11 mg for men, natural zinc food sources are;
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Dairy
- Seafood
- Meat