[Rumor x Truth] Vitamin C and D in High Demand for COVID-19... Do They Have Treatment or Prevention Effects?

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[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues to rise, rumors are spreading that taking vitamin C or vitamin D, which are said to be good for boosting immunity, can prevent COVID-19 or alleviate its symptoms. But is there any real effect?

Recently, various health supplements and nutritional products have been selling like hotcakes. In particular, interest in vitamin C and vitamin D, which are believed to strengthen immunity, is increasing following experts' opinions that people with weakened immunity are more susceptible to viral infections.

However, the claim that vitamins can prevent COVID-19 lacks scientific evidence. In fact, they do not help prevent common viral infections such as colds either. While they may help boost immunity, neither vitamin C nor D produces antibodies related to COVID-19 or provides any special immunity.

Professor Woojoo Kim, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, stated, "Neither vitamin C nor vitamin D creates specific antibodies related to COVID-19 or provides immunity. They are basically just health supplements as commonly discussed."

In the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, there were false rumors that antibiotics were effective in preventing and treating COVID-19. However, antibiotics do not act on viruses but only on bacteria. The World Health Organization (WHO) also explained, "Antibiotics do not help prevent COVID-19 and should not be used as a treatment."

There was also a myth that applying Antiphlamine, a type of anti-inflammatory analgesic, under the nose, inside the nostrils, or on the lips could prevent COVID-19. The claim was that bacteria dislike the smell of Antiphlamine and therefore cannot enter the respiratory tract, but this has no relation to preventing COVID-19.