COVID-19: Targeted Nutrition Support - Micronutrients & Phytonutrients

Vitamin C

Maintenance of functional and structural integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers
Normal functioning of T cells
Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Antibody production
Reduction of respiratory tract and lung infection risk

200 mg/day

1–2 g/day

Vitamin D

Maintenance of functional and structural integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers
Normal functioning of T cells
Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Antibody production and antigen responses
Reduction of respiratory tract and lung infection risk
Alleviation of the inflammatory response

2000 IU/day (50 µg/day)

10,000 IU during few weeks, followed by 5000 IU (until 25–hydroxyvitamin D concentrations rise above 40–60 ng/mL (equivalent to 100–150 nmol/L))

Vitamin E

Maintenance of functional and structural integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers
Differentiation, and functioning of innate immune cells
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Antibody production and antigen responses
Reduction of respiratory tract and lung infection risk
Support of T cell-mediated immunity

15 mg/day (RDA)

200 IU/day

Selenium

Differentiation, and functioning, of innate immune cells
Normal functioning of T cells
Antibody production
Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

50 µg/day

Up to 200 µg/day

Zinc

Maintenance of functional and structural integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers.
Differentiation, and functioning, of innate immune cells.
Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Antibody production and antigen response.
Support of lymphocyte and cytokine functions, and innate immunity overall.
Inhibits the activity and replication of coronavirus (SARS-CoV which caused an outbreak in 2002)

Men: 8 mg/day
Women: 11 mg/day
(RDA)

Zinc lozenges: over 75 mg/day administered within 24 h (divided into 6–8 doses, each separated by 2–3 h when awake)
Zinc gluconate: 13.3 mg/day within 3 days (at least)

Iron

Maintenance of functional and structural integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers
Differentiation, and functioning, of innate immune cells
Normal functioning of T cells.
Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Men: 8 mg/day
Women age 19–50: 18 mg/day
Women age > 51: 8 mg/day
(RDA)

Ferrous iron salts (ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate): 60 mg Fe/day (taken with food to avoid gastric discomfort)

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA + DHA)

Conversion to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) such as, protectins, resolvins and maresins to relieve the inflammation and enhance lung injury

250–300 mg/day of EPA + DHA

1500–3000 mg/day EPA + DHA

Multivitamin supplements including vitamins (A, B6, B12, C, D, E and folate) and trace elements (Zn, Fe, Se, Mg and Cu)

Support of the cells and tissues of the immune system overall
Maintenance and development of in innate barriers
Growth and differentiation of innate cells
Antibody production and generation of memory cells
Production and activity of antimicrobial proteins
Phagocytic activities of neutrophils and macrophages

Supplying nutrient requirements according to the 100% RDA for age and gender
This is in addition to a well-balanced diet