Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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718. To ask the Minister for Health if vitamin D3 and-or zinc supplementation has an effect on reducing respiratory infection and Covid-19; if so, his views on whether it is appropriate to include same in NPHET public health advisories and HSE information campaigns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36270/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the NPHET.  Ireland is guided by the advice, guidance and protocols of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The expert guidance of the  European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in particular is based upon consideration of the circumstances arising in the European Union and globally. The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) reviews these international developments as part of its overall examination of the evolving epidemiology of the disease.  

Micronutrients, such as vitamins D and C and zinc, are critical for a well-functioning immune system and play a vital role in promoting health and nutritional well-being.  However, the consistent guidance from the international bodies referenced above is that there is as yet insufficient data to support the use of either Vitamin D or zinc in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.