Consuming high doses of zinc and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was not associated with improvement in COVID-19 infections, according to a small study published today in JAMA Network Open.In a 214-person, open-label experiment with COVID outpatients in Ohio and Florida, those who received one or both supplements had similar symptom-reduction periods as those who received standard of care.Over the years, scientific studies have not conclusively shown that either supplement can help overcome illnesses such as the common cold.
Since the pandemic began, however, both supplements have seen an increased market owing to people's belief that they can give the immune system a boost.