Global Dietary and Herbal Supplement Use during COVID-19—A Scoping Review
et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu15030771 (Review)
, Global Dietary and Herbal Supplement Use during COVID-19—A Scoping Review, Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu15030771 (Review)
Review of 14 global studies showing that the most frequently used dietary supplements during COVID-19 were vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and multivitamins. The most common reason was for improved immune system functioning or reduced COVID-19 risk. Authors note that participants who have attained higher education levels were more likely to use supplements during COVID-19.Currently there are 107 vitamin D for COVID-19 studies, showing 36% lower mortality [28‑44%], 26% lower ventilation [-2‑46%], 50% lower ICU admission [33‑62%], 20% lower hospitalization [8‑31%], and 15% fewer cases [6‑23%].Currently there are 39 zinc for COVID-19 studies, showing 29% lower mortality [9‑44%], 47% lower ventilation [4‑71%], 26% lower ICU admission [-9‑49%], 29% lower hospitalization [7‑45%], and 22% fewer cases [-10‑45%].Currently there are 57 vitamin C for COVID-19 studies, showing 27% lower mortality [13‑38%], 19% lower ventilation [-8‑39%], 15% lower ICU admission [0‑28%], 17% lower hospitalization [3‑28%], and 8% more cases [-14‑35%].
Arora et al., 2 Feb 2023, peer-reviewed, 3 authors.
Contact:
rahel.mathews@msstate.edu (corresponding author).
Abstract: nutrients
Review
Global Dietary and Herbal Supplement Use during
COVID-19—A Scoping Review
Ishaan Arora, Shecoya White and Rahel Mathews *
Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
* Correspondence: rahel.mathews@msstate.edu
Abstract: During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of cure and the intensity of the
global spread raised a common awareness of health. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize
dietary supplement use globally during first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic
search was conducted in December 2021 following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, ERIC, and Scopus
databases were searched, and 956 results were screened for eligibility. Fourteen cross-sectional
studies from 11 countries and 3 continents were examined. All studies were large population surveys
investigating healthy eating and supplement use during COVID-19. Vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and
multivitamins were the most widely reported, as well as natural/herbal products such as ginger and
honey. The most common reason cited for supplements use was to strengthen immune system and to
prevent infection of COVID-19. These studies reported that populations are relying on healthcare
providers, family, friends, and social media to learn about supplement use. Future studies on the
treatment of COVID-19 should include more evidence for supplement use.
Keywords: COVID-19; lockdown; supplements; dietary supplements; herbal supplements; review;
scoping review
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