Influenza is a disease that annually kills about 36,000 people being mostly children and the elderly. According to a study by Consumer Reports, 50% of people tested in the present range of substances and products to combat the disease, the most chosen vitamin D supplements and so-called multivitamins.
Supplements for preventing influenza are very expensive products and according to a national survey on the use of these, which have proved most effective are those that produce the leading brands in the market as supplements “elderberry” and “N-acetyl cysteine” were rated by Consumer Reports Health (CRS) as possibly effective for fighting the flu symptoms.
These assessments made by CRS supplements have as its starting point the Global Database of Natural Medicines, a summary prepared by researchers that what they do is assess both the evidence of safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements.
Also, according to data released by the Consumer Reports as the use of vitamins and other products to combat the flu has a large consumer market since 40% of Americans take vitamin C and multivitamins, and 22% eat regularly zinc, 17% take combinations of herbs, 13% taking homeopathic remedies-type and 17% take garlic.
There is a tendency to try any supplement that promises to fight the flu or prevent symptoms.
According to a survey of people taking supplements such as those usually do not have scheduled flu shot in addition to using medication prescribed by the doctor and also those who are over the counter. Only a small percentage expressed his desire to use supplements but does not perform traditional medical treatments.
For their part, experts recommend the implementation of the influenza vaccine throughout the population, especially people that are with low defenses, as well as children and the elderly, pregnant women and adults who have chronic disorders such as asthma or diabetes, since they are more susceptible to the virus.
They also recommend that parents get their children vaccinated every year from 6 months old.