Effects of select dietary supplements on the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

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#covid-19 #dietary-supplements #drugs-chinese-herbal #humans #lactobacillus

Effects of select dietary supplements on the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Shokri-Mashhadi et al., 2021 | Expert Rev Respir Med | Systematic Review

Citation

Shokri-Mashhadi Nafiseh, Kazemi Maryam, ... Moradi Sajjad. Effects of select dietary supplements on the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Expert Rev Respir Med. 2021-Jun;15(6):805-821. doi:10.1080/17476348.2021.1918546

Abstract

Introduction: Viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs) have been recognized as a global public health burden. Despite current theories about their effectiveness, the true benefits of dietary supplements on the prevention and treatment of viral RTIs remain elusive, due to contradictory reports. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary supplements on the prevention and treatment of viral RTIs.Areas covered: We systematically searched databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar through 4 March 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of consuming selected dietary supplements on the prevention or treatment of viral RTIs.Expert opinion: Thirty-nine randomized controlled trials (n = 16,797 participants) were eligible and included. Namely, vitamin D supplementation appeared to improve viral RTIs across cohorts particulate in those with vitamin D deficiency. Among the evaluated dietary supplements, specific lactobacillus strains were used most commonly with selected prebiotics that showed potentially positive effects on the prevention and treatment of viral RTIs. Further, ginseng extract supplementation may effectively prevent viral RTIs as adjuvant therapy. However, longitudinal research is required to confirm these observations and address the optimal dose, duration, and safety of dietary supplements being publicly recommended.

Key Findings

However, longitudinal research is required to confirm these observations and address the optimal dose, duration, and safety of dietary supplements being publicly recommended.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 16797
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • COVID-19
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Humans
  • Lactobacillus
  • Panax
  • Quercetin
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Respiratory Tract Infections
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Virus Diseases
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin D Deficiency
  • beta-Glucans

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginseng

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09