We all want to know what we can do to keep our kids (and ourselves!) safe and healthy as we get back to school and Dr. Anthony Fauci has some great recommendations. Last week, Jennifer Garner hosted Dr. Fauci on Instagram Live to get his take on what we can do to prevent COVID and one topic that came up was vitamin supplements.
Fauci said that taking vitamins C and D could, in fact, help boost immunity at a time when we’re all looking to stay healthy and strong.
“If you’re deficient in vitamin D, that does have an impact on your susceptibility to infection,” said Fauci, who is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “I would not mind recommending, and I do it myself, taking vitamin D supplements.”
Vitamin C also got Fauci’s approval for those looking to take a supplement.
“The other vitamin that people take is vitamin C because it’s a good antioxidant, so if people want to take a gram or so of vitamin C, that would be fine,” he said.
On the other hand, Dr. Fauci dispelled some ideas about other supplements and their ability to actually boost immunity.
When Garner asked whether spinach, elderberry or other supplements could help with immunity, Dr. Fauci was, as always straightforward in his reply.
“The answer, to the dismay of many, is no,” he said.
And while it’s difficult to make a general statement about what supplements everyone should take, it’s safe to assume that, taken in reasonable amounts, vitamins D and C are safe. As for kids, most children get the vitamins they need from eating a healthy diet. Just be sure to check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your health regimen.
Watch the chat here: