As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) tightened its grip on the world, several people began looking for ways to boost their immune system.

While one's immunity has quite a strong role to play in fighting viruses, sudden changes including the use of vitamins and mineral supplements without prior consultation with a healthcare professional can produce serious effects on one's overall health.

An official from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has reminded the public to be wary of this issue and always follow health advice from trusted organizations.

The warning comes in light of a trend observed on social media whereby some sites are promoting supplements as an effective treatment and prevention method against COVID-19.

This has prompted some residents to make their way to local pharmacies to buy Vitamin C and D, Zinc and other supplements, HMC stated in a press statement.

According to Dr Hassan Mohamed Hassan Saqr, Consultant, Family Medicine at HMC, it is of utmost importance that people seek advice from their doctor before deciding to use any such supplements. Those with chronic conditions need to be extra careful about this.

Can vitamins and mineral supplements treat or prevent COVID-19?#YourSafetyIsMySafety pic.twitter.com/JEVNKxnjH6

— مؤسسة حمد الطبية (@HMC_Qatar) July 8, 2020

"Vitamins and minerals play an important role in strengthening the body's immune system, but the use of medicines and vitamins to treat or prevent a specific illness or disease must be based on scientific research that confirms their effectiveness.

There is no evidence to support claims that certain vitamins or minerals can prevent or treat the new coronavirus," Dr Saqr said.

The use of vitamin and mineral supplements without a doctor's consultation can cause serious and dangerous effects, particularly for those with existing health conditions, he mentioned.

Vitamin K could lead to severe consequences for those who take blood-thinning medications as it might cause changes to the metabolism of these medications, and toxic levels of Vitamin A during pregnancy may result in birth defects, Dr Saqr pointed out.

The HMC official further underlined that while Vitamin C has long been linked to the prevention or treatment of common cold or sessional flu, medical experts have found little or no benefit of this vitamin.

There is also no evidence that Vitamin C can prevent or treat COVID-19, he said.

However, "taking excessive doses of Vitamin C can cause a variety of side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and even kidney stones."

Dr Saqr said that there is very limited research on Vitamin D and COVID-19 and based on that "it would be premature to make any recommendations.

But, the excessive use of Vitamin D supplements may lead to other serious conditions such as hypercalcemia, which is an excess of calcium in the blood.

"Having too much calcium in the blood can lead to a wide range of complications and symptoms, including an irregular heartbeat,” he said.

About Zinc, Dr Saqr said it "is an essential mineral vital for immune system function and is important for wound healing and supporting normal growth and development." However, there is no evidence to suggest it plays a beneficial role in preventing or treating the virus.

He further highlighted that most people get the vitamins and minerals their bodies need from the food they eat.

Therefore, a healthy, balanced diet that contains protein, fruits, and vegetables is of great importance.

"Eating a healthy diet, along with getting enough sleep and physical activity, and adhering to social distancing and other infection prevention measures is a much better path towards COVID-19 immunity than is taking vitamin and mineral supplements," the HMC official said.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself.  To know more about testing for COVID-19, click here.

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Source: HMC