Potential Role of Vitamins and Zinc on Acute Respiratory Infections Including Covid-19
Indah Kartika Murni, Endy Paryanto Prawirohartono, Rina Triasih
Abstract
Background. Vitamin C, E, D, A, zinc are considered to be essential in preventing and treating of acute respiratory infections (ARI) including COVID-19. Methods. We reviewed published studies evaluating the potential roles of these vitamin and zinc for ARIs and COVID-19 using Medline database, medRxiv, and bibliographic references. Results. Vitamins C, D, and E did not reduce incidence of common cold in general, but vitamin C reduced by half in population with physical and environment stresses. Vitamins C and E shortened duration and reduced severity of common cold. A large-dose vitamin A had no effect on recovery from pneumonia. Zinc improved clinical deterioration and pneumonia duration in under five. The effect on preventing COVID-19 morbidity and related-death was lacking. Conclusions. Although the effects of vitamins and zinc on ARIs including COVID-19 were inconclusive, taking these for a short period during pandemic may be beneficial when there is risks of deficiency.