Now, let’s review this impressive array of ingredients .

The first Vitamin C study (Oct 7, 2020) reflects the thinking of almost all the following studies we will review. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is vicious because it produces proteins which support the virus’s survival, replication, and the ability to spread within the host. It also suppresses our natural antiviral and immune responses, while also inducing the oxidative stress that causes the hyper inflammation referred to as the “cytokine storm”.

That “storm” is what causes the lung injury, tissue fibrosis, and pneumonia. The authors suggest that while awaiting an effective vaccine, they propose that we repurpose those nutraceuticals with a proven ability to provide immune-boosting, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. They include Zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, curcumin, probiotics, selenium, quercetin, and a few others because they all help to boost the immune system, prevent virus spread, preclude disease progression into a more severe state, and helps to further suppress the hyper inflammation that is associated with COVID-19 infection. [3]

A second Vitamin C randomized trial (published on Oct 19, 2020) provided elderly adults with vitamin C (500 mg) and vitamin E (200 mg) and then analyzing their blood for neutrophil, lymphocyte and natural killer cell activity. This was measured before supplementation began, and again after 3 months of supplementation, and finally 6 months after the end of supplementation. The clinical results showed that vitamin C, in those elderly participants, improved their immune competency to values common to much younger adults. [4]


The best Vitamin D study (Oct 31, 2020) noted that Vita-D deficiency co-exists in most patients suffering from COVID-19. Dark skin color, increased age, pre-existing diseases and vitamin D deficiency are ALL features of severe COVID disease. Of these, only vitamin D deficiency is modifiable.

Vitamin D may have several ways to reduce the risk of acute respiratory tract infections and COVID-19: by reducing the survival and replication of viruses, and by reducing risk of the inflammatory cytokine storm.

Fourteen observational studies offer evidence that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are inversely correlated with the incidence or severity of COVID-19. Thus, the evidence seems strong enough that physicians may recommend vitamin D supplements to help prevent or to treat COVID-19 because of its safety. Large-scale vitamin D randomized controlled trials are currently in progress to further support this recommendation. [5]


The best Zinc study (Oct 20, 2020) notes that the essential trace elements zinc and selenium are both critically necessary for maintaining our natural immunity. They tested their hypothesis that COVID-19 patients would be characterized by zinc (Zn) deficiency. Serum Zn was determined in samples from 171 consecutive patients, which including 29 who survived COVID-19 and 6 who did not. They found that Zn concentrations in the sick individuals were much lower compared to the healthiest subjects. [6]

The best yeast beta-glucan (β-glucan) study (Sept 1, 2020) noted that nutraceuticals capable of modulating the immune system are highly sought after and marketed, but often with little evidence to support those claims. So, these research scientists developed an in-vitro testing system that utilizes a cell wall from a virulent bacterium. Their screening system used activated B cells and macrophages to assess the impact of several nutrients on enhancing their immune activation.

They found that yeast β-glucan induced Killer cell activation in a dose-dependent manner. Their screening program confirmed that this was an effective and sensitive method for measuring innate immune competency in vitro. [7]

Another yeast β-glucan study (Oct 2020) noted that the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes was a good predictor for poor outcomes in COVID-19 infections. β-glucan has been shown to manage blood sugar levels in human subjects, and has properties for enhancing & regulating immune parameters related to COVID-19. [8]

A third yeast β-glucan study (Oct 2020) reviewed the “cytokine storm”, which is a rapid overreaction of the immune system in humans to COVID-19. β-glucan has been shown clinically to decrease diarrhea, modulate cytokine expression, and reduces intestinal inflammation. Additionally, they showed that β-glucan fractions decreased coagulation in plasma and reduced the activation of platelets (reducing clot formation).

During the period of home confinement facing individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, our immune defense could be weakened by various factors, including stress, anxiety and poor nutrition, while a healthy diet, rich in vitamins C and D, can reinforce the immune defense and reduce the risk of other microbial infections.

They recommend that β-glucan can be used to strengthen the immune response prior to any possible viral infections. This short review focuses on the role of baker's yeast β-glucan, with a healthy diet rich in natural vitamins C and D, in addition to a healthy gut microbiota can provide synergistic immune system support, helping the body to naturally defend prior to respiratory virus infections, until stronger options such as vaccines are available. [9]


The first Reishi mushroom study (Oct 7, 2020) noted that the immunomodulating effects of the mushroom were extensive, including promoting the innate immune, humoral, and cellular immunity complexes. In particular, reishi may affect immune cells and immune-related cells including B and T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, with the promotion of immune organ growth, cytokine release, and other immune regulatory functions. [10]

A more extensive review is available at WebMD. [11] Studies show that the reishi mushroom lowers blood pressure, so that it may be contraindicated if you have low blood pressure or if you are taking any therapy to raise your blood pressure, or you are taking diabetes medications, or have an immune system disorder. [12]

Another 2019 study [13] reviewed the toxic impact of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and the fact that reishi has been shown to be an effective complementary/ alternative approach for reducing damage to immune cells, intestinal tissues, kidney and cardiovascular toxicity, and various other side effects. The Life Extension Foundation also has an extensive review of the benefits of reishi. [14]


The first Panax ginseng study (Sept 8, 2020) is a review of herbal preparations, specifically adaptogens for prevention and treatment of respiratory infections, as well as convalescence, specifically through supporting a challenged immune system.

They note that ginseng can be useful in prophylaxis and treatment of viral infections at all stages of progression of inflammation as well as in aiding recovery of the organism by

(1)   modulating innate and adaptive immunity,

(2)   anti-inflammatory activity,

(3)   detoxification and repair of oxidative stress-induced damage in compromised cells,

(4)   direct antiviral effects of inhibiting viral docking or replication, and

(5)   improving quality of life during convalescence. [15]

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