Got Booster? Got Strong Immune System?
Note: All brand names mentioned have been 3rd party tested by ConsumerLab to be of high quality, purity and value. I have no affiliation with these products.
More than a year has gone by since my initial webinars here & here on the Integrative management of Covid-19, and summary supplement recommendations from this March 2021 blog are largely the same, with an emphasis on adequate Vitamin D levels above 30 ng/ml. In fact, a recent large observational study published in BMJ Nutrition has shown that “individuals taking multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics or vitamin D were less likely to be tested positive for SARS-CoV-2” by 12%, 21%, 18% and 24% in the US cohort, respectively. For unclear reasons, the associations were stronger in women than in men, with Vitamin D and probiotics showing the best protection for men.
Covid booster recommendations are starting to roll out by the CDC. In the meanwhile, is there a way to naturally boost your own immune system and prepare to “boost the booster” at the same time? What does the research say? Let’s look at what’s known about nutrients and boosting vaccine effectiveness (especially in the elderly):
Yes, eating more vegetables is good for you, and it may increase the effectiveness of your next vaccine too! This study looked at the influence of 2 vs 5 servings of veggies & fruits per day on response to the pneumococcal vaccine. In this case, the group of elderly patients who ate the most veggies & fruits had the best response to the vaccine.
Did you know that “good” gut bacteria are an important part of your immune system, and they influence vaccine-induced antibody levels? This study of two randomized trials showed that a simple probiotic drink increased vaccine antibody levels in the elderly. While this study was performed on the influenza vaccination, basic science suggests that the same may be true for the Covid-19 vaccine. Natural probiotics include kefir, kombucha and fermented vegetables. Probiotic pills are also effective, and here is a 3rd-party tested brand known to contain the bacterial strains proven to support the immune system and gut health.
Vitamin D plays a strong role in immune health against Covid-19, and it might influence effectiveness of the vaccine as well. This study showed that Vitamin D deficiency was associated with decreased immunogenic response to certain strains of influenza vaccine, but not others. Nevertheless, given the preponderance of other data regarding the importance of Vitamin D, and the Endocrine Society’s guidelines to keep levels above 30 ng/ml, this remains high on my list of strategies to “boost the booster”, as well as your own immune system.
Selenium is a known nutrient that is key for immune health, though over 30% of the population may be deficient. This study demonstrates how selenium affects polio vaccine response rates. Achieving an adequate amount is easy - eating just ONE Brazil nut per day gets you enough!
Might a multivitamin be helpful? While more research is needed, the data is strong enough that some clinicians are advocating a multivitamin to be given for everyone over 70 years-old, prior to getting a booster.
FAQ:
If I am vaccinated, do I need to worry about Covid? Trust the vaccine, and get a booster when due. It dramatically reduces your risk of hospitalization, which is the main goal. However, if significantly exposed, it is still important to get tested about 4-5 days from exposure; vaccine breakthroughs can happen as vaccine antibodies decline and new variants arise.
Are symptoms of Covid different if I’m vaccinated? Yes, it looks like the top 5 symptoms are a bit different: headache, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, loss of smell. Fever, cough and shortness of breath are much lower on the list for vaccinated breakthrough patients.
Why do I need to get tested if I’m vaccinated? First, so you can quarantine if positive. Second, unfortunately, it is possible to develop Long Haul Covid from a breakthrough infection, as noted in this NEJM study and this new Lancet study. A positive test might be the only way to match future Long Haul symptoms to an actual inciting event, though vaccines notably decrease risk. Third, you might opt to start a treatment plan at home.
Are there any new outpatient prescription treatments? I am most excited about Fluvoxamine, which is an old, cheap, safe and seemingly effective drug against Covid-19, significantly decreasing hospitalization and Long Haul Covid. I first wrote about this last year after seeing this JAMA Network study. Its mechanism is detailed here, and Fluvoxamine has been getting more attention lately, though more research is underway. If prescribed (off-label, 50mg twice a day for 15 days), it should be started ASAP after a positive Covid test, and be sure to avoid caffeine!
Are you doing everything that YOU can do to tune up your immune system? How will you end this pandemic healthier and stronger than when you started it? There are some things that aren’t in your control. And there are plenty of things that ARE in your control. Let’s focus on those! May you and your loved ones remain empowered and healthy.