We are currently experiencing a COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) global pandemic. Here are some supplement recommendations you can use to boost your immune system. Consult your physician before starting any new supplement regimen. These are recommendations from a board-certified family physician to Diamond Physician members, not medical advice. To find out more about our services check out our concierge medicine page. Diamond Physicians recommends Thorne Products. For your convenience, all of the recommended supplements from Thorne, our preferred vendor, are on the home page. (Click on the product link for purchasing info)
Immune System Booster Supplements
- Vitamin C: is a well-known immune booster: we recommend up to 5 grams/day in powder form for acute immune system boost, intense prevention or exposure to a virus. Long term recommendations are 1000 mg/day and for Children 500-1000 mg/day
- Vitamin A: For sustained immune system boost 10,000-15,000 Units/day. You should have your levels checked by your physician if taking higher doses of Vitamin A for more than 4 weeks. We recommend 5,000 Units/day for children age 4 and up.
- Vitamin D: Take 2000 to 10,000 Units/day to target goal level between 50 and 80.
- Zinc: Take 50 mg/day. Lozenges can be used if you begin to feel symptoms like a sore throat or cough.
- Probiotics (or Probiotics with Vit. D): have been shown to boost your immune system and decrease viral infections by 10-30% in Children
- Lactobacillus is good for babies since their microbiome is immature
- Pre-biotic (Arabinex): Larch Arabinogalactan is very safe and has been shown to reduce viral infections in children (age 2 and up as well as boost vaccine responses for children and adults.
- L-Lysine decreases viral replication: We recommend 1-2 grams/day
- Elderberry
- Echinacea (Origins Virid)
- NAC (N-acetylcysteine): We recommend 1200-2000mg/day which should be taken on an empty stomach or with a low protein meal.
- For Children age 2 and up we recommend 100mg/kg of body weight. So if your child weighs 35 pounds (divide by 2.2 to convert to Kg) you would administer 1600 mg of NAC per day not to exceed 2000mg.
- NAC is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- L-Glutamine: We recommend 2-5g/day which should be consumed on an empty stomach or with a low protein meal.
Testing Positive or Exposed to Coronavirus
If you have tested positive for Coronavirus or have direct exposure to confirmed Coronavirus case, take the following regimen immediately to boost your immune system:
- NAC (N-acetylcysteine) 600mg three times per day. Nausea/upset stomach may limit high doses
- Vitamin D: take 10,000 Units daily for 14 days
- Zinc: we recommend 50-100 mg/day
- L-Lysine: we recommend 1-2 grams/day
- Vitamin A: 25,000 Units/day for an immediate immune boost.
Naturopathic Approach to Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19
We have added additional resources to help with prevention and treatment of Covid-19 (Coronavirus). See articles below:
- General Prevention and Treatment Foundations
- Antioxidant Support
- Immune Support
- Anti-Inflammatory Support