The Association Between Dietary Supplement Use and COVID-19 Symptoms

The scientific evidence supporting recommendations for dietary supplement use to prevent or treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) is not well‑established. This cohort study investigates the relationship between dietary supplement usage and COVID‑19 symptoms among 27,181 adults tested for COVID‑19. Using data from surveys following COVID‑19 testing, conducted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, associations between dietary supplement usage, symptomatology, and COVID‑19 status were explored. The prevalence of supplement consumption among symptomatic individuals was significant, with non‑Hispanic (NH)‑White individuals showing higher usage rates. Among those testing positive for COVID‑19, mainly asymptomatic cases, dietary supplement usage was increased (7.8%), suggesting a proactive approach to supplementation. Symptomatic individuals with confirmed COVID‑19 also showed heightened dietary supplement usage (37.9%), indicating a response to perceived therapeutic benefits. Notably, respiratory symptoms such as cough (46.2%), fever (31.4%), and shortness of breath (8.9%) correlated consistently with increased dietary supplement usage across different time points. Despite limitations such as varying test sensitivities and potential selection biases, this study offers valuable insights into individual health‑seeking behaviors during the pandemic. Findings emphasize the importance of targeted public health interventions and education to address disparities in dietary supplement usage and promote evidence‑based approaches to dietary supplementation. Further research is warranted to understand better the motivations and implications of dietary supplement usage in the context of the pandemic.