Food supplements can be included in the various approaches for the management of COVID-19 infections. However, evidences are scarce, and this study investigated the potential preventive effects of food supplements on COVID-19 infections.

445850 subscribers of an app aiming to self-report information related to COVID-19 have been followed.

Results showed that in participants from UK (372720 subjects), probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, multivitamins or vitamin D reduced the risk of COVID-19 infection by 14%, 12%, 13% and 9% respectively. No effect was noted for vitamin C, zinc or garlic supplements. Further analyzes showed that the effects of probiotics, omega 3 fatty acids, multivitamins and vitamin D were significant in women, but not in men.

This study shows therefore the interest of food supplements for a modest but significant prevention of COVID-19 infections.

Louca P, Murray B, Klaser K, Grahaml M, et al. Modest effects of dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from 445 850 users of the COVID-19 Symptom Study app. BMJ Nutrition 2021 (in press).