Myth Busters: Dietary Supplements and COVID-19

TLDR

News and social media have linked dietary supplements to COVID‑19 treatment and prevention, but amid rapidly evolving and conflicting information, pharmacists play a crucial role. The study reviews the theoretical mechanisms and evidence for the efficacy and safety of selected supplements—vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, and silver—in COVID‑19. The authors conduct a literature review of theoretical mechanisms and evidence for these supplements in the COVID‑19 setting. Evidence for these supplements in COVID‑19 is lacking, so clinicians and patients should not rely on them and should instead follow evidence‑based guidelines.

Abstract

News and social media platforms have implicated dietary supplements in the treatment and prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During this pandemic when information quickly evolves in the presence of contradicting messages and misinformation, the role of the pharmacist is essential. Here, we review theoretical mechanisms and evidence related to efficacy and safety of select supplements in the setting of COVID-19, including vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, and silver. Evidence evaluating these supplements in COVID-19 patients is lacking, and providers and patients should not rely on dietary supplements to prevent or treat COVID-19. Rather, reference to evidence-based guidelines should guide treatment decisions.