Go easy on the immunity booster pills, say doctors

People are making a beeline for Vitamin C tablets, but immunity is built by lifestyle changes and diet, say experts

Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, there has been an increase in consumption of Vitamin C tablets as many consider it to be an immunity booster. Most of these tablets are consumed after ‘hearsay’ suggestions and bought over the counter at medical shops. Doctors in the city are warning people against consuming these Vitamin C pills without a proper prescription, saying that it can do more harm than boosting immunity.

C Ranjan, a techie in Marathalli, said, “Of late, I have made it a habit to consume Vitamin C tablets in the morning and evening. One of the primary reasons for consuming these Vitamin C tablets was to boost my immunity. During my Covid-related news search, I was reading that those having better immunity will have fewer or no symptoms.”

Confirming the trend, Dr Basvaraj Kuntoji, Physician & Consultant of Internal Medicines at Manipal Hospital, Malleswaram, said, “Yes, I have been hearing about the consumption of immunity booster tablets from pharmacists and a few patients.” However, doctors say that over-the-counter tablets of Vitamin C can cause endocrine and metabolic abnormality and can at times lead to kidney failure if consumed in large quantities.

Heavy doses can cause dizziness, headache, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Men taking Vitamin C are twice as likely to develop kidney stones as opposed to those not taking them-Dr Basvaraj Kuntoji, Manipal Hospital

“At times, heavy doses can also cause dizziness, headache, vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea. Men taking Vitamin C are twice as likely to develop kidney stones as opposed to men not taking such supplements”, he said. Manjunath N, who runs a pharmacy, said, “There has been an unusual high demand for Vitamin C tablets and many times we run out of stock.”

Dr. Sagar Bhattad, Consultant of Paediatric Immunology and Rheumatology at Aster CMI Hospital, said “There has been no proof that Vitamin C can protect a person from Covid-19.”

Ravindra Mehta, Consultant Pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar, said that it was a false belief that Vitamin C tablets have any anti-viral properties. “These tablets are used for common cold and allergy. Immunity’s built over a period of time. It’s doesn’t increase by consuming healthy foods or popping a pill but one has to quit smoking and exercise regularly.”

Dr Sheela Chakravarthy, Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, added that the normal requirement of Vitamin C was about 30 to 90 mg/day. “However, as it is water-soluble, Vitamin C cannot get absorbed more than what is required. High dose in the gut can cause diarrhea,” she said.