During the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to keep your immune system as strong as you can, but are supplements an effective way of doing this? Most evidence seems to suggest that the

answer is no. Supplements won't prevent you from catching coronavirus. Express.co.uk breaks down why, and what common supplements are good for. VITAMIN C You will see claims that

vitamin C supplements will boost your immune system and prevent coronavirus. There isn't much evidence to support this, but the might be useful in high doses when you have contracted

the virus. In fact, medical experts are using the vitamin in high dosage through IV to treat COVID-19 patients, and high-dose intravenous VC has also been successfully used in the treatment

MORE- CORONAVIRUS: DOCTOR TIPS FOR KEEPING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTHY Vitamin C is an essential vitamin since it can't be produced by your own body. Taking it daily may reduce your risk

of chronic disease, manage high blood pressure, lower your risk of heart disease, and help prevent iron deficiency. Vitamin C also helps your white blood cells function more effectively,

meaning your skin's defence system is stronger and your wounds heal faster. Despite all of this, there is still no evidence that taking a Vitamin C supplement daily will protect you

from coronavirus. Find out more about the effects of the vitamin in coronavirus here. MULTIVITAMINS Around 70 per cent of all supplement users take multivitamins. You'd think you are

fully covered if you take a multivitamin because they contain most of the 13 vitamins we need to stay healthy and well. However, taking a multivitamin every day most likely won't have

any impact on the chances of you catching coronavirus. In a panic, many people are guzzling down a variety of vitamins in the hope of protecting themselves. But be warned, taking separate

supplements on top of a multivitamin is dangerous, as too much of one vitamin can cause a buildup. WHY ISN'T TAKING SUPPLEMENTS PROTECTION AGAINST CORONAVIRUS? Evidence for the

effectiveness of most commonly taken supplements - like multivitamins, Vitamin C and D - is scarce. Most studies show they might have some efficiency against the common cold and flu, but

that doesn't mean they will have any impact on COVID-19. Coronavirus has a longer incubation period than the cold or flu meaning the period between exposure to it and the appearance of

symptoms is longer. Coronavirus also more severely impacts the lower respiratory tract. The symptoms are different and therefore they respond to different treatments. CAN YOU TAKE TOO MANY

SUPPLEMENTS? You can take dangerous levels of supplements. For example, if you have too much zinc in your system you could disrupt your body's uptake of copper. This means you are more

likely to become anaemic. High doses of Vitamin D, A, and E can lead to longterm complications. This includes irregular heartbeat, blood clotting interference, haemorrhages, and organ

damage. Taking too vitamin C, B6, and folic acid can cause gastric distress, nausea, heartburn, and can negatively impact your immune system. HOW CAN I KEEP MY IMMUNE SYSTEM FUNCTIONING AT

ITS BEST? For optimal functioning of your immune system, you don't need to take supplements. Wash your hands properly- for the duration of 'Happy Birthday' sung twice. Remain

physically active, taking as many walks, runs or cycles a day as you like. Getting out in the great outdoors is one way to get your vitamins D requirement naturally. Supplements cannot

replace a healthy diet, and eating nutritious meals packed with vitamin-rich food is a great way to boost your immune system. Keeping your stress levels down is also important, so try and

find an activity that relaxes you like reading, watching Netflix, knitting, playing games, etc.