Use of immunity-boosting tablets could be dangerous: Doctors

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GUWAHATI: Doctors have warned that unchecked and repeated use of immunity-boosting tablets and home remedies prompted by the COVID-19 fear could result in serious health complications.

"The very concept of boosting immunity is wrong. An individual's immunity is a reflection of his or her own health. So, we should work on our overall health, specifically gut health, and your immunity will automatically improve," said a senior doctor of Medicine at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital. He pointed out that nearly 70 per cent of immunity depends on the gut health of individuals.

Gut health refers to the balance of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract.

"The environment, the state in which you eat is also very important. What you eat and what you don't eat is crucial for good gut health. Exercise, sleep and hydration also play crucial roles in maintaining the strong immune system," the doctor said.

A doctor at GNRC Hospitals said that he has been receiving patients who try to get a prescription for zinc tablets, or vitamin C in the hope that these will protect them against COVID-19.

"Nearly 20 per cent of the patients we get are those that have overdosed on various immunity-boosting medications. They are treated for stomach problems and various other side effects," the doctor said, adding that excessive use of Zinc – a popular health supplement and immunity booster— induces a deficiency in copper levels inside the body and may also cause lethargy.

On the other hand, prices of Vitamin C, zinc, multivitamins, antioxidant tablets and other immunity-boosting Ayurvedic products are soaring taking advantage of people's rush to purchase the same. Zincovit Multivitamin syrup which used to cost Rs 115 a few days, is now being sold at Rs 135. A strip of 15 Zincovit tablets is now sold at Rs 105 (previous rate Rs 90). A strip of Limci, a Vitamin C tablet used to be sold at Rs 13. The same Limci tablet now costs Rs 39. Prices of Becosules and vitamin tablets have been doubled as well.