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Dr. Grey AI

Condition

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection, caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Vitamin D and vitamin C are the best-studied supplements for it, but a trial of 653 people found no clear difference in pneumonia symptoms with vitamin D, and vitamin C showed none in deaths from any cause. Each finding comes from one study, so the evidence is very limited.

Sources: PMID 21992858; PMID 38783029

Supplements studied
5
Graded outcomes
2
Trials
11
People studied
30,122

Evidence by supplement

  • Strong
  • Moderate
  • Limited
  • Very limited

5 supplements

Vitamin C

Vitamin C: outcomes studied for Pneumonia
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
All-Cause Mortality

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study366 people

Studies that measured all-cause mortality

Length of hospitalizationImproves (the measure goes down)366 people
Need for mechanical ventilationChanges; see studies366 people

Vitamin D

Vitamin D: outcomes studied for Pneumonia
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Pneumonia Symptoms

No effect

NoneNo effect1 study653 people

Studies that measured pneumonia symptoms

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection RiskChanges; see studies13 studies453 people

Studies that measured upper respiratory tract infection risk

and 10 more on the Vitamin D page

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)13 studies453 people

Studies that measured upper respiratory tract infection symptoms

and 10 more on the Vitamin D page

Zinc

  • Pneumonia Symptoms: improves
Zinc: outcomes studied for Pneumonia
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Pneumonia SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)8 studies7,082 people

Studies that measured pneumonia symptoms

and 5 more on the Zinc page

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

  • Gastric Emptying Rate: improves
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): outcomes studied for Pneumonia
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Gastric Emptying RateImproves (the measure goes up)4 studies32 people

Studies that measured gastric emptying rate

and 1 more on the Ginger (Zingiber officinale) page

Vitamin A

  • Pneumonia Symptoms: improves
  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Risk
Vitamin A: outcomes studied for Pneumonia
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Pneumonia SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)1 study1,713 people

Studies that measured pneumonia symptoms

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia RiskSmall effect554 people

Key findings

  • All-Cause MortalityVitamin C
  • Pneumonia SymptomsVitamin D

The Pneumonia Recovery Support protocol

2 primary supplements · 7 supporting supplements

  • Vitamin C1,000–2,000 mg daily during illness (higher in severe cases under medical supervision)
  • Vitamin D2,000–4,000 IU daily (higher if deficient)

See the full protocol

Studies cited

100 studies from PubMed

  1. Effect of vitamin D supplementation for major adverse cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis based on randomised controlled trials.Br J Nutr, 2025 · PMID 40685646
  2. Ginger for treating nausea and vomiting: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysesNutrients, 2023 · PMID 38072785
  3. Effect of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting compared with vitamin B6 and placebo during pregnancy: a meta-analysisJ Matern Fetal Neonatal Med, 2022 · PMID 31937153
  4. Effects of Ginger Intake on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical TrialsNutrients, 2022 · PMID 36308792
  5. Efficacy of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in Ameliorating Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting and Chemotherapy-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review Update and Meta-AnalysisJ Acad Nutr Diet, 2019 · PMID 31519467
  6. Does the Oral Administration of Ginger Reduce Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting?: A Meta-analysis of 10 Randomized Controlled TrialsCancer Nurs, 2019 · PMID 30299420
  7. Optimal Vitamin D Status: Evidence and GuidelinesEndocr Connect, 2019 · PMID 30697582
  8. Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention: A Comprehensive ReviewNat Rev Cancer, 2019 · PMID 30612257
  9. Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Musculoskeletal Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisLancet Diabetes Endocrinol, 2018 · PMID 30445434
  10. Vitamin D and Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisBMJ, 2018 · PMID 29878139
  11. Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisNutrients, 2018 · PMID 29481980
  12. Vitamin D and Immune Function: A ReviewJ Investig Med, 2018 · PMID 30125852
  13. Vitamin D Supplementation for Prevention of Mortality: A Meta-AnalysisCochrane Database Syst Rev, 2018 · PMID 29789217
  14. Vitamin D Supplementation During Pregnancy: Safety and Efficacy ReviewNutr Rev, 2018 · PMID 29459995
  15. Vitamin D Supplementation: A Comprehensive Review of Efficacy for Various Health OutcomesLancet Diabetes Endocrinol, 2017 · PMID 28768407
  16. Vitamin D Deficiency: Global Health PerspectiveMed Clin North Am, 2017 · PMID 27986512
  17. Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of EvidenceAnn Intern Med, 2017 · PMID 28440249
  18. Vitamin D and Bone Health in Adults: A Systematic ReviewLancet, 2017 · PMID 28212022
  19. The effectiveness and safety of ginger for pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic reviewWomen Birth, 2015 · PMID 23482308
  20. Vitamin D3 supplementation does not modify cardiovascular risk profile of adults with inadequate vitamin D statusEur J Nutr, 2015 · PMID 26621634
  21. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomitingNutr J, 2014 · PMID 24642205
  22. Effects of ginger for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a meta-analysisJ Am Board Fam Med, 2014 · PMID 24390893
  23. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic literature reviewNutr Rev, 2013 · PMID 23550785
  24. Association of A1C levels with vitamin D status in U.S. adults: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination SurveyDiabetes Care, 2010 · PMID 20215453
  25. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, ethnicity, and blood pressure in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination SurveyAm J Hypertens, 2007 · PMID 17586404
  26. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trialsBr J Anaesth, 2000 · PMID 10793599
  27. Influence of vitamin C supplementation on oxidative and immune changes after an ultramarathonJ Appl Physiol, 1985 · PMID 11960947
  28. Effects of ginger on motion sickness susceptibility and gastric functionPharmacology · PMID 2062873
  29. Acute effects of dietary ginger on quadriceps muscle pain during moderate-intensity cycling exerciseInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 19164834
  30. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces muscle pain caused by eccentric exerciseJ Pain · PMID 20418184
  31. Ginger consumption enhances the thermic effect of food and promotes feelings of satiety without affecting metabolic and hormonal parameters in overweight men: a pilot studyMetabolism · PMID 22538118
  32. Effect of ginger on lower esophageal sphincter pressureJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 20420113
  33. Effects of ginger on gastric emptying and motility in healthy humansEur J Gastroenterol Hepatol · PMID 18403946
  34. Ginger syrup as an antiemetic in early pregnancyAltern Ther Health Med · PMID 12233808
  35. Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trialObstet Gynecol · PMID 11275030
  36. Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomised controlled trialAust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · PMID 14712970
  37. Effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopyJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17214049
  38. The efficacy of ginger in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgeryJ Med Assoc Thai · PMID 17725149
  39. The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysisAm J Obstet Gynecol · PMID 16389016
  40. Vertigo-reducing effect of ginger root. A controlled clinical studyORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec · PMID 3537898
  41. A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancyObstet Gynecol · PMID 15051552
  42. Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarumEur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol · PMID 1988321
  43. Comparing analgesic effects of a topical herbal mixed medicine with salicylate in patients with knee osteoarthritisPak J Biol Sci · PMID 22308653
  44. A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of ginger extracts and ibuprofen in osteoarthritisOsteoarthritis Cartilage · PMID 10607493
  45. Effectiveness and safety of steamed ginger extract on mild osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.Food Funct · PMID 39212491
  46. Anti-emetic effect of ginger powder versus placebo as an add-on therapy in children and young adults receiving high emetogenic chemotherapyPediatr Blood Cancer · PMID 20842754
  47. Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsiaWorld J Gastroenterol · PMID 21218090
  48. Zingiber officinale Improves Cognitive Function of the Middle-Aged Healthy WomenEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 22235230
  49. Phase II study of the effects of ginger root extract on eicosanoids in colon mucosa in people at normal risk for colorectal cancerCancer Prev Res · PMID 21990307
  50. Investigation of the effect of ginger on the lipid levels. A double blind controlled clinical trialSaudi Med J · PMID 18813412
  51. Ginger extract reduces delayed gastric emptying and nosocomial pneumonia in adult respiratory distress syndrome patients hospitalized in an intensive care unitJ Crit Care · PMID 20149584
  52. Effect of treatment with ginger on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptomsISRN Obstet Gynecol · PMID 24944825
  53. Comparison of effects of ginger, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen on pain in women with primary dysmenorrheaJ Altern Complement Med · PMID 19216660
  54. The effect of oral supplementation of ginger on glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus - A systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Nutr ESPEN · PMID 39053695
  55. Beneficial Effects of Ginger Extract on Eye Fatigue and Shoulder Stiffness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Parallel Study.Nutrients · PMID 39203851
  56. Topical tretinoin for treatment of photodamaged skin. A multicenter studyArch Dermatol · PMID 2024983
  57. Topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) treatment of hyperpigmented lesions associated with photoaging in Chinese and Japanese patients: a vehicle-controlled trialJ Am Acad Dermatol · PMID 8277035
  58. Two concentrations of topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) cause similar improvement of photoaging but different degrees of irritation. A double-blind, vehicle-controlled comparison of 0.1% and 0.025% tretinoin creamsArch Dermatol · PMID 7544967
  59. Topical tretinoin improves photoaged skin. A double-blind vehicle-controlled studyJAMA · PMID 3336176
  60. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)Arch Dermatol · PMID 17515510
  61. Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation on fatigue and depression in Multiple Sclerosis patients: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical TrialIran J Allergy Asthma Immunol · PMID 26996107
  62. Vitamin A supplementation to prevent mortality and short- and long-term morbidity in very low birth weight infants.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 27552058
  63. Vitamin A supplements for preventing mortality, illness, and blindness in children aged under 5: systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ · PMID 21868478
  64. Vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in infants one to six months of ageCochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 27681486
  65. Vitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 35294044
  66. Neonatal vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of mortality and morbidity in term neonates in low and middle income countries.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 28234402
  67. Vitamin A supplementation in very-preterm or very-low-birth-weight infants to prevent morbidity and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 34582542
  68. Oral vitamin A supplementation in preterm infants to improve health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One · PMID 35377893
  69. The Relationship of Vitamin A and Neonatal Respiratory Diseases: A Meta-Analysis.Clin Respir J · PMID 39434208
  70. Ascorbic acid supplementation improves skeletal muscle oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes: Findings of a randomized controlled studyFree Radic Biol Med · PMID 26774673
  71. Vitamin C may have similar beneficial effects to Gemfibrozil on serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in type 2 diabetic patientsJ Res Pharm Pract · PMID 25328896
  72. Supplementation of vitamin C reduces blood glucose and improves glycosylated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind studyAdv Pharmacol Sci · PMID 22242019
  73. The effect of vitamin C supplementation on diabetic hyperlipidaemia: a double blind, crossover studyDiabet Med · PMID 2952396
  74. Unchanged renal haemodynamics following high dose ascorbic acid administration in normoalbuminuric IDDM patientsScand J Clin Lab Invest · PMID 7624737
  75. Ascorbic acid supplementation improves postprandial glycaemic control and blood pressure in individuals with type 2 diabetes: Findings of a randomized cross-over trialDiabetes Obes Metab · PMID 30394006
  76. Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and vitamin C on glycemic indices, blood pressure, and serum lipids in type 2 diabetic Iranian malesJ Res Med Sci · PMID 22247720
  77. Effect of vitamin C on inflammation and metabolic markers in hypertensive and/or diabetic obese adults: a randomized controlled trialDrug Des Devel Ther · PMID 26170625
  78. Does short-term vitamin C reduce cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes?Endocr Pract · PMID 23757614
  79. Effects of atorvastatin and vitamin C on forearm hyperaemic blood flow, asymmentrical dimethylarginine levels and the inflammatory process in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusHeart · PMID 16914485
  80. Effect of vitamin C supplementation on postprandial oxidative stress and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patientsPak J Biol Sci · PMID 22518934
  81. High-dose oral vitamin C partially replenishes vitamin C levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes and low vitamin C levels but does not improve endothelial dysfunction or insulin resistanceAm J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol · PMID 16126809
  82. Vitamin C and the common cold: a double-blind trialCan Med Assoc J · PMID 5057006
  83. Ascorbic acid and the common coldLancet · PMID 4113614
  84. Preventing the common cold with a vitamin C supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled surveyAdv Ther · PMID 12201356
  85. Vitamin C and the common coldJ Soc Occup Med · PMID 162650
  86. Winter illness and vitamin C: the effect of relatively low dosesCan Med Assoc J · PMID 1091343
  87. Ascorbic acid for the common cold. A prophylactic and therapeutic trialJAMA · PMID 163386
  88. Therapeutic effect of vitamin C. A co-twin control studyJAMA · PMID 318715
  89. A randomized controlled trial of the therapeutic effect of vitamin C in the common coldPractitioner · PMID 319446
  90. Vitamin C and the common cold: a second MZ Cotwin control studyActa Genet Med Gemellol · PMID 7048833
  91. Trial of ascorbic acid in prevention of coldsBr Med J · PMID 4290259
  92. Mega-dose vitamin C in treatment of the common cold: a randomised controlled trialMed J Aust · PMID 11700812
  93. A controlled clinical trial of ascorbic acid for the common coldAnn N Y Acad Sci · PMID 1106302
  94. The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infectionsJ Manipulative Physiol Ther · PMID 10543583
  95. Vitamin C prophylaxis in marine recruitsJAMA · PMID 368370
  96. L-Ascorbic acid and D-isoascorbic acid in a common cold surveyAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 1099894
  97. A randomized controlled trial of vitamin C in the prevention and amelioration of the common coldBr J Prev Soc Med · PMID 788820
  98. Evaluation of the efficacy of ascorbic acid in prophylaxis of induced rhinovirus 44 infection in manJ Infect Dis · PMID 4355208
  99. Vitamin C as a preventive medicine against common colds in childrenScand J Infect Dis · PMID 897573
  100. Blood ascorbic acid level in bioflavonoid and ascorbic acid therapy of common coldJ Am Med Assoc · PMID 13366735

Supplement stack for Pneumonia