Dr Arif addresses whether 'simple supplements' can cut risk of Covid

CORONAVIRUS is highly contagious, but data from King's College London suggests that certain supplements - vitamin D, probiotics, multivitamins, and omega 3 - could help ward off an infection. The research from the prestigious university highlights the "modest but significant" effects taking supplements can have in preventing a Covid infection. Dr Nighat Arif said: "For women, there's seems to be more beneficial impact on taking multivitamins as opposed to men. "And that could be because of the biological changes in men and women – and I think this is really key." Appearing on ITV's This Morning, Dr Arif said "there's a lot of data coming out that oestrogen boosts your immune system". In addition, Dr Arif recognised "how much great [vitamins] can do", such as vitamin D, omega 3, and multivitamins. In reference to the King's College London study, the research data is based on over 1.4 million users of the Zoe Covid Symptom Study app. People who were taking vitamin D supplements had a nine percent reduced risk of contracting Covid. READ MORE: Covid positive tests mapped: TWO areas at highest risk after easing Those who were consuming probiotics had a 14 percent reduced risk, while people who took multivitamins has a 13 percent reduced risk of coronavirus. As for omega 3, taking this type of supplement was associated with a 12 percent reduced risk of Covid infection. The most helpful supplement to the least (at preventing Covid infection): Supplements such as vitamin C, zinc or garlic "had no detectable effect" against Covid. DON'T MISS What's going on! Pupils forced to self-isolate after waiting months [INSIGHT] Covid vaccine side effects: Three common side effects [HEALTH] Spain rings alarm over TEN different Covid variants [ANALYSIS] Lead researcher Dr Cristina Menni from the School of Life Course Sciences commented on the findings. "Our research is an observational study and not a clinical trial, so we can’t make strong recommendations based on the data we have. "Until we have further evidence about the role of supplements from randomised controlled trials, we recommend following the NHS guidelines on vitamins usage as part of a healthy balanced diet." Professor of genetic epidemiology, Tom Spector – who led the Covid Symptom Study – added commentary on the results. He said that "a healthy diet with diverse fresh vegetables and fruits" should give you all the nutrients you need for a healthy immune system. The NHS emphasised that people "can get all the vitamins and minerals they need by eating a healthy, balanced diet". Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for everybody from the end of September to late March. During spring and summer, "most people can get all the vitamin D they need through sunlight on their skin". A "healthy, balanced diet" should include at least two portions of fish per week, including one oily fish. Oily fish is rich in omega-3, and can include: "Fresh and canned tuna do not count as oily fish," stated the national health body.