Supplements Guidelines For Adults

Many patients ask us for guidance on common supplements. We are happy to provide here guidelines for adults (guidelines for children will be posted at a later date) for common micronutrient supplements. The evidence that these reduce the severity of viral infections, including COVID-19, is currently weak, so this is general nutritional guidance rather than a treatment for any infection.

• 2000-4000 units daily with an aim of reaching a vitamin D 25 OH level (25-hydroxy vitamin D) of 50-100 ng/ml
• NOTE: Higher intakes (for example 8000 units) should only be taken under medical supervision with blood-level monitoring; the safe upper limit for routine use is 4000 units per day, and a 25(OH)D level above about 50–60 ng/ml confers no added benefit (safety ceiling 100 ng/ml)

• 100-200 mcg daily to minimise problems of using long term vitamin D (4000 units and above)
• NOTE : if on a blood thinner such as warfarin/coumadin you need to avoid this vitamin and discuss with the prescribing doctor and then keep vitamin D to a limit of 4000 units daily and be monitored (blood test level of vitamin D).

• 25 mg once daily during the pandemic.

• It is very difficult to test for magnesium – it is a good idea to take magnesium while on vitamin D3
• There are various formulations: Magnesium citrate 300 mg daily at night time is a reasonable choice.

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