This is Joe Keenan, author of Covid Long Haulers. I wanted to provide you will an update on something that has made a marked improvement on my symptoms recently. In particular my brain fog. My research on self help for Covid Long Haulers, has meant that I have tried several home remedies that may not have yielded any results. Several months ago I was given the advice from a physician to add vitamin supplements to my daily routine. These included vitamin D, vitamin C and Zinc. I have been faithfully taking these supplements for two months now. These supplements may have helped my recovery but did not help me with improvement in my fatigue, brain fog, headaches or muscle cramps. Most recently my research uncovered the impact of Niacin testing on Covid 19 patients. The remainder of this blog is dedicated to this supplement.
Supplements to Boost the Immune System
Numerous studies have show the supplements can be used to support your immune system. But which ones? And at what dose?
Here are the top three supplements adults should consider taking to improve their immune systems.
1. Vitamin C. This vitamin has been hailed for years as a go-to source for aiding the immune system. Vitamin C is vital for the health of leukocytes, a type of white blood cells that help fight infections. It’s particularly important during a pandemic. It is recommended that adults take a supplement of 1000 mg twice every day.
2. Vitamin D. Most often we get our vitamin D through the sun, but taking a supplement is a good idea. Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a greater risk of developing respiratory conditions in adults and children. Studies have also shown that people with vitamin D deficiencies are at a higher risk of getting infected by the COVID-19 virus. It is recommended that adults take a supplement of vitamin D3 of 1000 International Units (IU) once or twice per day, consumed during meals.
3. Zinc. Zinc is crucial for normal development and functioning of cells mediating part of the immune system. Studies have shown that increased concentrations of zinc can stop the replication of viruses like the SARS-coronavirus.
Eating healthy, daily exercise, getting plenty of sleep, increasing hydration are the safest and most effective tools to boost the immune system.
What is Vitamin B3
MacArthur Medical Center recent article on vitamin B3 stated that, “new evidence suggesting that niacin or vitamin B3 may help strengthen the lungs and protect the tissue. The article suggests starting vitamin B3 when you develop a cough may offer some protection from the potential damage the virus can cause.
Vitamin B3 is a brand new development and not enough time has passed to determine the optimal dosing regimen. We can not consider it an evidence-based recommendation. We do not believe a daily B3 supplement is harmful.
Vitamin B3 is water-soluble, meaning your body does not store it, as it does others such as vitamin D and A. It seems reasonable to incorporate vitamin B3 into your diet. Niacin is found in higher quantities in food like salmon, red meat, poultry, milk, and dairy products. High dose Vitamin B3 can cause flushing and itching. If you choose to add a Vitamin B3 supplement, start with a low dose option and follow the package instructions.
What is NAD+
NAD+ as defined by Elysiumhealth.com, is essential to the creation of energy in the body and the regulation of pivotal cellular processes. NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a critical coenzyme found in every cell in your body, and it’s involved in hundreds of metabolic processes. But NAD+ levels decline with age. NAD+ has two general sets of reactions in the human body: helping turn nutrients into energy as a key player in metabolism and working as a helper molecule for proteins that regulate other cellular functions.
In a recent study by R.Miller, A.R. Wentzel, G.A, Richards from the National Institute of Health;
“The SARS-CoV-2 hyperinflammatory response,… is related to a deficiency of NAD+,…which may be the primary factor related to the SARS-Cov-2 disease spectrum…’
NAD+ levels decline with age and are also reduced in conditions associated with… stress as occurs with hypertension, diabetes and obesity. These same groups have also been observed to have high mortality following infection with COVID-19. Further consumption of NAD+ in a pre-existent depleted state is more likely to cause progression to the hyperinflammatory stage of the disease…”
“Availability of NAD+ and zinc and that high levels of oxidative stress deplete NAD+, …could minimise disease severity if administered prophylactically and or therapeutically. The significance of this hypothesis, if proven, has far-reaching consequences in the management of COVID-19 especially in third world countries, where resources and finances are limited.”
Niacin or B3 can be taken orally and when metabolized by the body becomes NAD+. It is through the Niacin supplement that the body can produce more NAD+ which is linked to Covid 19 prevention and recovery.
My Niacin Story
In late 2020, my doctor introduced me to Niacin for the management of my blood sugar. This is the most common use of the product. I tried the supplement for a few weeks but did not like the physical reaction that I had to the product. It made me feel flush after taking the product. But recently, I read the above noted studies and others that indicated that low levels of NAD+ could be related Long Covid. With this new information, I restarted my daily dose of Niacin and found a surprising result.
Niacon and Brain Fog
I started taking the Niacin four days ago in addition to the supplements that I was already taking. My personal finding was that my brain fog lifted considerably two days after taking the Niacin supplement. My fatigue was still present but my mental sharpness was vastly improved over the previous weeks. Part of me can argue that the improved mental sharpness was do to the introduction of Niacin but this is not a scientifically proven result. There maybe other variables involved that might be more causal than the introduction of Niacin in my improvement. I will track my progress over the next few weeks to see if the mental acuity progress continues and share more in a future post.
Stay Strong!
Joe Keenan
Disclaimer: Please do not take any supplements without consulting your doctor. My views on the benefit of Niacin are mine alone. NAD+ research is still in its early phases as related to Covid Long Hauler recovery
If you choose to take Vitamins or supplements, do not exceed the recommended dose. Taking vitamins and supplements in larger than recommended doses can cause harm.
We advise extreme caution buying or purchasing products advertise to boost immunity. Some companies are exploiting the pandemic to promote products and have been warned by the FDA.
More to come…
Covid Long Haulers 