We’ve written about the role of probiotics and blue light for COVID protection, and new research is looking at the impact of B vitamins. Here’s what recent papers found, and why extra B vitamins may boost COVID immunity.
FROM THE PAPERS
Researchers from the University of Oxford, United Arab Emirates University and the University of Melbourne, Australia, collaborated on the paper, which looked at the effects of B vitamins on the immune system. While no COVID patients were part of the review material, researchers emphasized that B vitamins could be a helpful adjunct to other strategies because of their impact on the immune system.
“There is a need to highlight the importance of vitamin B because it plays a pivotal role in cell functioning, energy metabolism, and proper immune function.
Vitamin B assists in proper activation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, improves respiratory function, maintains endothelial integrity, prevents hypercoagulability and can reduce the length of stay in hospital.
Therefore, vitamin B status should be assessed in COVID-19 patients and vitamin B could be used as a non-pharmaceutical adjunct to current treatments …
Vitamin B not only helps to build and maintain a healthy immune system, but it could potentially prevent or reduce COVID-19 symptoms or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. Poor nutritional status predisposes people to infections more easily; therefore, a balanced diet is necessary for immuno-competence.”
A second paper looked more closely at niacin, or vitamin B3, in particular. The big takeaway is that there may be a definite link between low niacin levels and COVID-19 infection.
BENEFITS OF A BOOST OF B VITAMINS
Eight different B vitamins offer their own benefits, from immune system function improvement to cardiovascular health protection. Vitamin B3, in particular, in particularly important for fighting inflammation. A healthy diet with foods rich in one or more B vitamins is a good first step, so consider incorporating things like salmon, leafy greens, eggs, milk, proteins like beef, chicken and turkey, legumes, and if you’re really adventurous, organ meats like liver.
Alternatively, there are B vitamin injections and infusions. Dr. McSweeney is excited to offer B vitamin injections and infusions at Boost, which offer a quick way to remedy B vitamin deficiencies.
Those are more common that you may think. Symptoms can include:
- fatigue
- headaches
- mood changes
- feeling numbness or a prickly sensation in the extremities
- anxiety and depression
- constipation
- feeling of weakness or feeling faint
- heart palpitations
Some prescription medications, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal issues, age, and those who eat a plant-based diet with no animal protein tend to be at a greater risk of deficiencies. Those who smoke or have an alcohol use disorder are also at risk.
THE TAKEAWAY
From an immunity standpoint, B vitamin injections and infusions offer critical support. During a pandemic, that’s particularly helpful. Learn more about B vitamin injections and infusions at Boost by contacting Dr. McSweeney’s office now. Call 775-525-5624 to schedule an appointment.