CNBC.com: Vitamin C and D Supplements Aren’t a Magical Remedy. Doctor Says Use These 5 Tried-and-True Immuno-Boosters
CNBC.com recently interviewed infectious disease specialist Michael Ben-Aderet, MD, associate medical director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai, about whether people should take vitamin C and vitamin D supplements to boost their immune system during cold and flu season.
Ben-Aderet told CNBC.com that supplements are usually not necessary if people are eating a well-balanced diet.
“Most people, at least in [America], are able to eat a healthy diet and are able to get most of their vitamins from their regular diet,” Ben-Aderet told CNBC.com. “But I think there is still that concern, ‘Are people getting enough? Do they need more vitamins?’ and that’s where the role of vitamin supplementation comes into play.”
Research shows that daily vitamin C supplements may help reduce the severity and duration of the common cold but that they do not prevent it altogether. Daily vitamin D supplements have been found to protect against acute respiratory infections, in particular for patients who are deficient in vitamin D.
“Truth is, there’s never been any proven clinical benefit for vitamin supplementation in individuals that are able to get a normal, healthy diet and don’t have a clinical vitamin deficiency,” Ben-Aderet told CNBC.com. “That doesn’t mean that it’s impossible that they’re providing any benefit. It just means that we haven’t been able to prove the benefit.”
Ben-Aderet said that people also can keep their immune system strong by getting enough sleep and exercise, washing hands often and getting vaccinated to protect against respiratory viruses. He noted that for people with severe vitamin C and vitamin D deficiencies, supplements are medically necessary.
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