The history of vitamin supplements can be traced back to the early nineteenth century when clinicians and doctors found that some illnesses were caused by vitamin deficiencies versus diseases that were caused by infections or other toxins, as per Richard D. Semba’s “The Discovery of the Vitamins.” Today, vitamin supplements have become a part of people’s everyday health regimen, especially during a global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus or Covid-19. Most vitamins available today serve a specific purpose. Vitamin E is often touted as the primary vitamin for skin health. Vitamin B is known for its energy boosting capabilities and vitamin C is the go-to for immunity. Vitamin D, which is manufactured by the body from sunlight, is also an important vitamin in keeping the immune system healthy. So what role do these vitamins play in the fight against coronavirus and Covid-19 prevention?

 

Family medicine physician Dr. Cooper Schraudenbach recently spoke to U.S. News and shared his thoughts on how vitamins can help boost immunity against coronavirus. He cites that both vitamin C and D have been “implicated in boosting immune response” and that vitamin D did have protective benefits among those who had the lowest vitamin D levels and took a supplement. While no amount of vitamins will cure the coronavirus (we wish!), it does help to have a healthy immune system to begin with. After all, the coronavirus acts upon the immune system by sending it into overdrive to fight the virus, a process called “cytokine storm.” According to The Atlantic, this happens when these cytokines work to “activate inflammation in an attempt to contain and eradicate a virus.” However, this process is tricky as the body has to strike a balance between keeping both the cytokine storm and the virus at bay because a cytokine storm, as a immune system response, can also damage the organs.

 

Covid-19 Prevention: How to Boost Your Immune System Now

There are several ways to support a healthy immune system. Of course, getting a good quality and quantity of sleep is at the top of the list. According to Good Housekeeping, our immune system “releases proteins that you need in order to fight off an infection or inflammation” while we sleep. We owe it to our immune system to get a good night’s rest! Of course, it also goes without saying that it’s best to eat healthy because what the food we consume also directly affects our bodies, including our immune system. Go for foods that are packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. And speaking of vitamins…

 

What are 5 essential vitamins to help fight Coronavirus?

In helping boost immunity against coronavirus, we often go for vitamins and minerals that help support our immune system and overall health. Here are some of the vitamins that can help support overall health. Here’s our best-selling list.

 

Vitamin C

1. Rainbow Light Gummy Vitamin C Slices, 250 mg, 90 Gummies

Here’s a fun, new way for your family to take vitamin C! The Rainbow Light Gummy Vitamin C Slices come in a tangy tangerine flavor and is great for both kids and adults alike. It contains 250 mg of the powerful antioxidant vitamin C and a splash of vitamin E to help strengthen the immune system. This product does not contain artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and other objectionable additives. Great for kids 4 and up and even adults! Shop at eVitamins.

Promising review: “It is very convenient to eat and tastes good.” Sunmi

2. Naturelo Vitamin C with Organic Acerola Cherry, 90 Capsules

Did you know that Acerola Cherries are one of the richest sources of Vitamin C found in nature? This unique vitamin C from cherries are released gradually over time so that the body absorbs more of it. This vitamin supplement also contains citrus bioflavonoids from organic orange and lemon to enhance the bioavailability of vitamin C, which stimulates antibody production to support the immune system. This plant-based product is free of GMOs and does not contain soy, gluten, yeast, dairy, eggs, nuts, caffeine, coloring, preservatives, or flavoring. Shop at eVitamins.

Promising review: “Great vitamin C, which I and my family are loving. With presence of bioflavonoid and natural vitamin C.” Rildo da Silva Carvalho

3. Sundown Naturals High Potency Vitamin C, 500 mg, 100 Tablets

This no-fuss, high potency vitamin C from Sundown Naturals comes in the form of ascorbic acid. It does not contain artificial color, flavor, sweetener, preservatives, sugar, starch, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, wheat, yeast, fish and sodium, only the antioxidant powers of vitamin C. Shop at eVitamins.

Promising review: “Great cost benefit, 100 tablets of pure vitamin C, for a very good price. This supplement is great for improving the immune system, one of the supplements I do not stop taking at all. I recommend!” Epitacio Carneiro

 

Vitamin A

1. NOW Supplements Vitamin A (Fish Liver Oil) 25,000 IU

Essential for the maintenance of the tissues that line the internal and external surfaces of the body, including the eyes, skin, respiratory, GI and urinary tracts, vitamin A is a must-have in your daily diet. That’s why there’s NOW Supplements Vitamin A in the form of fish liver oil in softgel format. It is GMP Quality Assured and is non-GMO and free of corn, dairy, eggs, gluten, and soy. Shop at Amazon.

Promising review: “Love these. Easy to swallow. Quick absorb gel small caps. Works great. Great value.” Kitty64

2. Bronson Vitamin A 10,000 IU

Enhance your immune system and maintain healthy eyesight with Bronson Vitamin A, which is produced by a manufacturer in their own GMP-certified facility in the U.S. Bronson pledges quality with every product since 1960, ensuring the potency, identity, purity, and disintegration of all products, including this vitamin A. Shop at Amazon.

Promising review: “Arrived in time small pills easy to take. Bought because I learnt that most persons who are deficient in vitamin A are susceptible to viruses.” Carone Gordon 

3. Nature Made Vitamin A 2400 mcg (8000 IU) Softgels

Invest in good health especially during times of crisis with Nature Made Vitamin A. This bottle contains a 100-day supply of vitamin A so you don’t run out as quickly. Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision and proper eye function. It’s made from carefully selected ingredients under strict manufacturing processes so you get quality without artificial ingredients or fillers. Shop at Amazon.

Promising review: “This product is high quality. The first time taking them I immediately noticed an improvement in my night vision. As time as gone on (over 10 days), I’ve noticed my dry eyes is nearly or almost gone. I highly recommend if you are Vitamin A defecient.” Elizabeth

 

Vitamin E

1. Sundown Vitamin E 400 IU

Get yourself some good, clean nutrition with Sundown Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant and essential nutrient to support good health. With the Sundown brand, you’re guaranteed to get good quality vitamins that are 100% gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, and free of artificial flavors. This high potency source of essential Vitamin E effectively supports immune function, circulatory, and cardiovascular health. It comes in an easy-to-swallow softgel. Shop at Amazon.

Promising review: “Sundown’s Vitamin E takes the edge off my joint pain. The pills are easy to swallow. Price is reasonable.” Illmom1947

2. Nature’s Bounty Vitamin E 1000 IU

Combat free radicals in your body with the antioxidant properties found in vitamin E with Nature’s Bounty. It’s an essential nutrient that supports immune function and aids in preventing free radical damage, which contributes to the premature aging of cells. Nature’s Bounty Vitamin E is produced in a facility that has been audited by the United States Pharmacopeia and STR (Specialized Technology Resources), a leading independent dietary supplement quality evaluation firm. This product is free of preservatives. Shop at Amazon.

Promising review: “I actually really like these vitamin E’s. Even though they are very large, they digest better on my stomach than other vitamin E capsules. I give these 5 stars.” Amazon Customer

3. Solgar Vitamin E 268 MG (400 IU) 

Unlike other vitamin E’s in the market today, these oil-based softgels from Solgar are designed to promote optimal absorption and assimilation. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient and fat-soluble antioxidant that naturally supports the cells in the heart, muscles, and immune system. It fights free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the body, causing the premature aging of cells. This unique formulation of Solgar Vitamin E provides a natural source of Vitamin E as d-Alpha tocopherol plus d-Gamma, d-Delta and d-Beta tocopherols, all of which are free of gluten, wheat, dairy, yeast, sugar, and sodium. Shop at Amazon.

Promising review: “Like that it not only contains the common E tocopherol but others as well and provides the amounts that many other vitamin e supplements do not do. The common tocopherol is usually the only type of e in many supplements because it is the cheapest.” Mountain Lover

 

Vitamin D

1. Smarter Vitamin D3

Unlike other vitamin D3 supplements in the market today, Smarter Vitamin D3 does not contain any animal by-products called “sheep grease.” This vitamin D3 does, however, contain vitamin K2, an important vitamin that helps direct calcium into the bones instead of the arteries. This vitamin D is sustainably sourced from a nutrient-rich green plant called a lichen, which is free from animal by-products. Having enough vitamin D levels helps support a healthy immune system and even affects the health and expression of more than 2000 genes in your body. It supports muscle function and joint support, brain health and mood and mental wellbeing, and cardiovascular function and respiratory system health. Shop at SmarterNutrition.

Promising review: “I bought this product about 6 weeks ago. I’m very satisfied knowing that vitamin D3 is good for me. I don’t get enough sunshine especially in the winter, & this supplement is so healthy to take. Also helps keep my depression at bay. No upset stomach and so easy to swallow. So thankful for Smarter Nutrition. A natural solution.” Jeanne Ashmanskas

2. eVitamins Vitamin D3, 2,000 IU, 120 Softgels

Because vitamin D is a family of vitamins that come from different sources, vitamin D3 is believed to be the superior vitamin D. According to Healthline, the two main forms of vitamin D (D2 and D3) come from different sources. D3 comes mainly from food such as oily fish and fish oil, liver, egg yolk, butter, and other dietary supplements such as eVitamins Vitamin D3, a high potency vitamin that provides structural support and helps maintain strong bones while supporting dental health. These softgels are not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk, egg, fish or shellfish ingredients. It does, however, contain extra virgin olive oil and its softgel capsule made of bovine gelatin, glycerin, and water. Available at eVitamins.

Promising review: “I am very satisfied with this product. Living in Minnesota leaves me without the needed sunlight to get enough vitamin D3. This vitamin helps with the relief depression so it is important. I am happy with the quality of this product as it does what it claims to. And because of eVitamins’ reasonable prices, I will definitely be ordering it again, and thru them.” Kathy

2. NatureWise Vitamin D3 5,000 IU

NatureWise delivers the daily requirement recommended by Vitamin D without the sun exposure and dangerous UVB. This vitamin D3 comes in its most bioactive form and is delivered in certified organic olive oil, which effectively improves bioavailability because it’s a healthy fat source. Vitamin D3 is essential in absorbing calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and immune system support. This product is non-GMO, and gluten free with no artificial additives, fillers or binders. Shop at NatureWise.

Promising review: “I am very happy with this supplement. I like that it is a capsule, and has olive oil. It is easy to digest and works very well.” Deborah L. Eckardt

 

Vitamin B’s

1. Health Revolution Super B Complex Vitamins with All B Vitamins Including B12, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, Folic Acid

Why take one type of vitamin B when you can have the benefits of all in one convenient dietary supplement? Health Revolution offers a high potency vitamin B complex that’s made from pure, safe, and natural ingredients. This product is free of gluten, artificial flavors and preservatives and soy and effectively releases over 6 to 8 hours to provide a steady, balanced stream of B vitamins that help with supporting a healthy immune system, nervous system, and heart. Shop at Amazon.

Promising review: “This purchase was a win win for me. Great price, delivered on time & the pills themselves are easy to swallow. I’ve noticed an increase in energy and focus over time.” Mara K. Stevens

2. BioSchwartz High Potency Vitamin B Complex

With a highly potent and absorbable B12 and 8 other essential vitamins, Schwartz Advanced B-Complex has a unique formula that works hard for you. It contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, plus folic acid and vitamin C that together supports healthy natural energy levels and heightened cognitive performance. It effectively supports immune health, red blood cell production, and promotes energy levels. This product is produced without GMOS, gluten, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or sugar, and does not contain preservatives or artificial colorants. Shop at Amazon.

Promising review: “It seems my body has always been in need of b vitamins as shown in my annual labs. So instead of just taking b12, this gives me a good supply of all the the b family complex of vitamins with vitamin c to boot. It has definitely given me a gentle pick up of energy this month without any jittery side effects. I love this combination and will continue to use.” Jennifer Kinnaird

3. Divine Bounty Store Super B Complex Vitamins

This vitamin supplement offers an extra strength formula for all your B vitamin needs. It features a high potency formula of water-soluble B-complex vitamins that are not easily stored in the body and thus need to be replenished frequently. It is made with only pure ingredients with no harmful additives and contains Inositol and Choline, two naturally occurring close cousins to the B Vitamin family, that can help boost memory, motivation, focus, and overall cognitive function. These vitamins do not contain soy, gluten, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Shop at Amazon.

Promising review: “Extremely easy to swallow, my husband usually has a hard time swallowing even medium size pills, these capsules glide right down. Also these pills seem to be absorbed better as urine isn’t bright yellow after taking one. Energy levels are good! Does not upset my stomach.” Linda from Marlboro

Everything you need to know about Covid-19 prevention is in the stories in the links from our archive below. Make sure to share with your friends and loved ones to help boost Covid-19 protection in your community today.

Covid-19 & Mental Health Awareness Month: How to Stay Calm During the Coronavirus Quarantine

COVID-19 Safety: Grocery Shopping Tips to Avoid Getting the Coronavirus

COVID-19: How to Protect Against Coronavirus at Home

COVID-19 Safety: Does Coronavirus Survive on Clothes?

COVID-19: How Coronavirus Affects the Body and How You Can Protect Yourself from the Virus

Covid-19 Prevention: How to Avoid Getting the Coronavirus

COVID-19 Quarantine: Health Effects of Working From Home

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