Europeans are more interested in the effects of vitamin D in combating Covid-19, while Asians prefer vitamin C, according to online data. — AFP
From zinc to turmeric, Internet users seem to be looking for ways to boost their immune defence systems with vitamins, nutrients or herbs in the face of Covid-19.
A report from Google Trends suggests that consumers are making links between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and such nutrients.
But, depending on their global location, people aren’t searching for the same ones.
Based on data collected between June 1,2019, and April 27,2020, the report reveals how the pandemic could be affecting the dietary choices of consumers around the world and their tendency to look for certain active ingredients.
Published in the journal Nutrients, the report found a correlation between Covid-19 cases and searches for specific nutrients like vitamins E, C, D, A and B, as well as zinc, coffee, ginger, selenium, garlic and turmeric.
However, interest in the various active ingredients varies between different global regions.
In Europe, for example, Internet users showed particular interest in vitamin D in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, especially in Hungary, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland and Norway.
People in Asia – notably in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia – as well as in the Middle East and Africa, were more likely to search for vitamin C instead.
Those in South America and the Caribbean more commonly searched for zinc.
People in Caribbean and African countries also searched for garlic and turmeric. – AFP Relaxnews
