What vitamins can you take for COVID-19 in Pregnancy

Author: Christine Rauch-Nell (B.Pharm) & Michelle Dateling (B.Optom, Dip.Sports Vision; MBA)

It is 2021 and we all live in a new world with a “different normal”. The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard, and besides the stresses that go with lockdown restrictions where does that leave preggy moms in this uncertain time?

Preggy moms are left wondering how they should protect themselves and their unborn babies from COVID-19. Questions like: Should they be vaccinated? Are they allowed to take immune boosters? What vitamins and minerals are safe to use during pregnancy? What else should they be doing to ensure their pregnancy is safe?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the importance of nutrient (vitamin and mineral) supplementation, especially those nutrients that have immunomodulatory effects to support our natural immune defences. Some nutrients such as Zinc, Selenium, Magnesium, Vitamin C and Vitamin D play important roles in immune system functioning by optimizing the immune system to prevent or decrease the risk of severe progression of COVID-19. They form an integral part of the immune system and show synergistic functions in the body’s defences. They maintain the integrity of the skin as well as biological cell barriers, and an insufficiency of these key nutrients can lead to impairment of mucosal epithelial cells, possibly making them more susceptible to virus entry.

Supplementing with additional minerals and vitamins in pregnancy is common practice for preggy moms as many take prenatal / pregnancy supplements during their pregnancy. The only adjustment that needs to be considered now is what nutrients for immune support do their prenatal / pregnancy supplements contain, and if there are sufficient quantities of these nutrients.

During pregnancy mom’s health and immune system can take quite a knock, making mom more susceptible to COVID-19 infections. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C assists with boosting the immune system. Vitamin D also shows great importance in the body’s immune function by modulating the immune system, optimizing anti-inflammatory functions, and increasing the growth of white blood cells (the cells of the immune system that are involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders).

COVID-19 symptoms include severe fatigue that presents long after the acute viral infection has passed. This can add to the normal pregnancy-related fatigue experienced by many preggy moms. This is where antioxidants and B-Complex Vitamins play an integral role. Supplementing with these nutrients can help alleviate the loss of energy experienced and provide a much-needed energy boost.

Make a point to discuss these concerns and requirements with your OBGYN at your next visit.

The pregnancy supplements Stellar-Mama and Preggy-Mama from AnaStellar Brands, have your pregnancy covered – even in COVID-19 times. Both products contain immune boosting minerals and vitamins as well as the active form of folate. Stellar-Mama in particular has high enough quantities of Zinc, Selenium, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, antioxidants and B-Complex vitamins to provide the immune support that pregnancy requires.

Christine Rauch-Nell B.Pharm (WITS) and Michelle Dateling B.Optom (UJ) Dip.Sports Vision(UJ) MBA (WITS)

References:

João J, Remondi SAC, Rodrigues VA et al. (2020). Zinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin C: Perspectives for COVID-19 With a Focus on Physical Tissue Barrier Integrity. Frontiers in Nutrition, 7: 295.

Maggini S, Maldonado P, Cardim P et al. (2017). Vitamins C, D and Zinc: Synergistic Roles in Immune Function and Infections. Vitamins and Minerals, 6:3.

Gombart AF, Pierre A, and Maggini S. (2020). A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System-Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection. Nutrients. Jan 16;12(1):236. doi: 10.3390/nu12010236. PMID: 31963293; PMCID: PMC7019735.

Oladapo A Ladipo, Nutrition in pregnancy: mineral and vitamin supplements, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 72, Issue 1, July 2000, Pages 280S–290S