As cases of coronavirus continue to rise in Australia, panic buyers are stocking up on immune system-boosting supplements, vitamins and organic vegetables.
But Australian doctor Preeya Alexander has warned people against spending their money on items they believe can protect them from contracting COVID-19.
While there are foods and vitamins that will help to support your immune system overall, this does not mean they will necessarily ward off or prevent coronavirus.
The GP, from Melbourne, said shoppers should not buy into fads and ‘quick fixes’ to ‘boost’ their immunity against coronavirus.
While they contain a good range of nutrients, the mother-of-two said vitamin C, ‘immune boosting’ supplements and organic vegetables have no scientific evidence to back them.
Australian doctor Preeya Alexander (pictured) has warned people against spending their money on vitamins and supplements they believe can protect them from COVID-19
‘What if I told you, as a doctor, that something really simple, something that doesn’t cost many pennies could save your life and the life of a loved one right now?’ Dr Alexander, also known as The Wholesome Doctor, said on Instagram.
‘What if I told you that you could throw all the above bottles, organic vegetables and teas away and do something far better for you that costs a whole lot less?
‘What if I told you that Vitamin C had no evidence for preventing viral illnesses but I can tell you something that does – and it’s backed by the World Health Organisation and Department of Health – and will cost you nearly nothing?
‘Washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds regularly and staying away could save your life and other lives right now.’
However, some health experts weren’t on board with her advice.
‘Are you suggesting that a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants doesn’t boost the immune system and help to prevent illness?,’ a naturopath asked.
To which Dr Alexander responded: ‘It doesn’t “boost” the immune system. Certainly eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables (avoiding deficiencies) helps support the immune system – as does physical activity, sleeping well and managing stress.’
One nutritionist who disagreed with her advice, said people ‘need a strong immune and eating wholefoods and foods than contain less pesticides will be in your favour so your body can focus on absorbing nutrients and not breaking down toxins’.
Dr Alexander responded, saying: ‘I’m making a very clear point – that all the other stuff isn’t what is important – washing your hands and social distancing is key. If you follow me you know I’m all for exercise, a good diet, eating veggies but right now washing hands and staying away from people is crucial.’
While they contain a good range of nutrients, the doctor said vitamin C, ‘immune boosting’ supplements and organic vegetables have no scientific evidence to back them (stock image)
Dr Alexander warned expensive immune boosting supplements, organic vegetables and powders and teas being touted don’t work in preventing or treating coronavirus because there’s no evidence behind them
She urged Australians to take practice social distancing – staying home or avoiding crowds – seriously in a bid to flatten the curve.
‘Practice social distancing – keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself an others. This isn’t an overreaction, it’s not a joke, it’s not something to be taken lightly,’ she said.
‘To those who are literally saying “it’s all being hammed up”, “it’s an overreaction” or ‘it will be fine’, look at Italy, China and the US.
‘Just stay home. You don’t have to do anything fancy – just stay at home and garden, cook a meal, do some Pilates on your lounge room floor, do crosswords, sort your family photo albums, write a book, do anything.
‘Please don’t dismiss this, please don’t think “I’ll be right” because we are all in this together and we need to act now. Wash your hands and stay home because we are just at the beginning of the curve and it is terrifying.’