{"id":630454,"date":"2024-11-26T09:30:37","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T14:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630454"},"modified":"2025-09-19T15:28:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T19:28:03","slug":"vitamins-for-post-covid-fatigue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/vitamins-for-post-covid-fatigue\/","title":{"rendered":"4 vitamins for post-COVID fatigue"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re sick with a viral infection, you expect to feel poorly for a few days. COVID is no exception. Whether you\u2019re hit with respiratory, GI, or flu-like symptoms such as muscle pain, headache, and fatigue, <\/span>testing positive for COVID<\/span><\/a> means being down for the count for a bit before returning to your daily routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, what if you don\u2019t bounce back, even after you\u2019re technically recovered? For about 10% of people with a recent COVID-19 infection, fatigue can linger long after other common symptoms\u2014sometimes weeks or even <\/span>months <\/span><\/i>after, per the <\/span>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/span><\/a>. This sets it apart from many other viral, inflammatory illnesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>It\u2019s normal for people to experience a loss of energy as the body is fighting off an infection, but usually that energy comes back once we get better,\u201d says <\/span>Danielle VenHuizen<\/span><\/a>, MS, RDN, owner of Food Sense Nutrition. \u201cIt may be that high levels of inflammation produced by COVID-19 cause dysregulation in many systems of the body, especially in the heart and the brain, which could explain some of the fatigue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Whatever the cause, people living with post-COVID fatigue may need some help getting their bodies back to normal functioning. One potential solution is increasing your vitamin intake: Dietary supplements are currently being studied for their effectiveness in <\/span>treating long COVID symptoms<\/span><\/a>, with vitamins such as <\/span>vitamin D<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>zinc<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>magnesium<\/span><\/a> showing some promise. Here\u2019s what we know about taking vitamins for post-COVID fatigue, including which ones are backed by science and what to look for when choosing a supplement.<\/span><\/p>\n

4 vitamins for post-COVID fatigue<\/span><\/h2>\n

While experts are still learning about what triggers post-COVID fatigue in some people but not others, there are some things we\u2019ve learned since COVID-19 first appeared. One of those lessons is that deficiencies in some of the vitamins and minerals responsible for helping our bodies recover from illness can contribute to the risk of long COVID-19.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cB vitamins, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and zinc are critical for energy production, brain function, and combating physical and mental fatigue,\u201d says <\/span>Alyssa Simpson<\/span><\/a>, RDN, <\/span>digestive health dietitian in Phoenix, Arizona. \u201cSupplementation, especially for people with inadequate intakes, has been shown to improve fatigue and cognitive function, making these nutrients potentially beneficial in post-COVID recovery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Vitamin B12<\/span><\/h3>\n

Vitamin B12 coupons<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Simpson says B12 is critical for nerve health and red blood cell production, and a deficiency could contribute to lingering tiredness after COVID. It also has the potential to <\/span>help people recover from viral illnesses<\/span><\/a> and has been studied as a complementary treatment for ongoing COVID symptoms. A 2022 study found that both <\/span>B12 and B5 had protective effects against COVID<\/span><\/a> infection, while a 2020 study found that <\/span>vitamin B12<\/span><\/a> (when combined with vitamin D and magnesium) improved outcomes for elderly patients hospitalized with COVID-19.<\/span><\/p>\n

Based on some research, <\/span>1,000 milligrams of vitamin B12 daily<\/span><\/a> is the most commonly utilized dose for targeting COVID symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: Can you take too much B12?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

2. Vitamin D<\/span><\/h3>\n

Vitamin D coupons<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Most people think of vitamin D as the sunshine vitamin without realizing how big of an impact it has on our immune system. <\/span>Low levels of vitamin D<\/span><\/a> have been linked to poor immune function and fatigue, which can inhibit your recovery from COVID, says Simpson.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two studies have linked low vitamin D levels to long COVID.\u00a0<\/span>One study found that\u00a0people with low vitamin D were more likely to have cognitive symptoms<\/a>\u00a0while experiencing long COVID, and another study found that\u00a0vitamin D deficiency could delay recovery<\/a> from COVID.<\/span>\u00a0Meanwhile, a 2024 study found that <\/span>eight weeks of high-dose vitamin D (60,000 IU weekly) improved fatigue<\/span><\/a> in a small number of participants.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Magnesium<\/span><\/h3>\n

Magnesium coupons<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>Jacob Teitelbaum<\/span><\/a>, MD, an integrative physician and author of <\/span>You Can Heal from<\/span><\/i> Long COVID<\/span><\/i>, research shows that low magnesium levels are associated with a greater likelihood of severe COVID-19, which is in turn associated with a higher risk of long COVID.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Studies have also shown that <\/span>magnesium may have a protective effect as COVID runs its course<\/span><\/a>, decreasing inflammation, improving blood oxygen levels, and preventing cognitive symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

One 2021 review of studies found <\/span>numerous connections in the scientific literature between magnesium deficiency and poor COVID outcomes.<\/span><\/a> It also highlighted several ways that low magnesium levels could directly contribute to long COVID or make it harder for someone to recover (magnesium deficiency commonly causes fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, and brain fog).<\/span><\/p>\n

Although specific studies looking at the effects of magnesium supplementation don\u2019t exist yet, it\u2019s clear there\u2019s a connection between magnesium deficiency and COVID severity, and even post-COVID symptoms specifically. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) recommends that <\/span>most adults get about 400 milligrams of magnesium per day<\/span><\/a>. Still, your intake can go higher than that for therapeutic reasons under a healthcare provider\u2019s supervision.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Zinc<\/span><\/h3>\n

Zinc coupons<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Like the other vitamins on this list, low zinc levels are linked to an increased risk of viral illnesses and COVID-19. According to the ODS, <\/span>people with zinc deficiencies may also be more likely to develop severe COVID-19<\/span><\/a> or have complications.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, a 2023 study of people with long COVID and a zinc deficiency found that <\/span>fatigue was the most commonly reported symptom<\/span><\/a>, suggesting that maintaining the right amount of zinc may have a critical role in improving chronic fatigue symptoms after COVID. According to a <\/span>2021 study<\/span><\/a>, 40 milligrams of zinc per day does not usually cause side effects, but participants in studies are often taking significantly higher amounts (between 200 and 400 milligrams). It\u2019s important to consult a healthcare professional before choosing the right amount of zinc to take for COVID fatigue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Post-COVID fatigue supplements that need more research<\/span><\/h2>\n

In addition to what we know about the effect of certain supplements on post-COVID fatigue, there is a lot more we\u2019re still learning. Some other supplements have shown some initial promise in research and may also be helpful for recovering from COVID infections. Still, more research is needed before experts can say whether they\u2019re useful.<\/span><\/p>\n