Best Vitamins for Mononucleosis

Almost Everyone Has Been Exposed to EBV

Infectious mononucleosis is caused by a virus that is a member of the herpes virus family and is also one of the most common human viruses. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects most people in the world at some time in their lives. It is estimated that 95% of American adults between the ages of 35 and 40 years of age have been infected. As soon as maternal antibodies available to an infant at birth are gone, the baby is susceptible to EBV. In infants and young children, infection with EBV usually presents as a mild, brief illness that is commonly seen in young children. When the infection of EBV occurs during adolescence or young adulthood, it causes infectious mononucleosis nearly 50% of the time.

Although the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis are usually overcome within a month or two, EBV remains dormant or latent in a few cells in the throat and blood for the remainder of the person's life. Occasionally the virus can reactivate, usually without symptoms. However, the virus is in the saliva of the infected person.

Treating Infectious Mononucleosis

Treatment for infectious mononucleosis generally consists of pain medications, antiviral drugs and a healthy diet. There are a number of vitamins that can relieve mono symptoms, restore health, and help to maintain health after a bout of mono. Before embarking on a vitamin program, it is important to consult with a physician, especially before taking vitamins as a treatment for mononucleosis.

Vitamin B-12

Known as cobalamin, Vitamin B-12 is water-soluble. This powerhouse vitamin increases red blood cell production, improves nervous system function, strengthens the immune system and repairs damaged tissues. Additionally, B-12 aids in the healing process, increases energy levels and lowers the risk of developing anemia. The recommended dosage for teens and adults is 2.4 mcg of vitamin B-12 every day. By adding these foods to the diet, a person can help ensure an adequate supply of B-12 vitamins: rainbow trout, milk, plain yogurt, beef liver, top sirloin beef, white tuna, salmon, breakfast cereals (watch out for the sugar), eggs and roasted chicken.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also a water-soluble vitamin that is a powerful antioxidant. This vitamin strengthens the immune system and protects the body against free radical damage that can easily be caused by mononucleosis. It helps to hydrate the body, repair damaged tissues, increase collagen production and accelerate healing. Teens and adults should have the daily recommended dosage of 1,000 mg of vitamin C. The foods that are rich in vitamin C are citrus fruits, pineapples, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, and blackberries.

The Sunshine Vitamin - D

The best place to get vitamin D, the Sunshine vitamin, is directly from the sun. However, this is not always possible, so it can be obtained through daily supplementation at 15 mcg for teens and adults. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and it is used by the body to regulate the immune system, soothe a sore throat, reduce fevers, repair damaged tissues, decrease inflammation and increase energy as it heals wounds. Eat vitamin D in these foods: fortified orange juice, beef liver, ready-to-eat cereals, milk, tuna fish, salmon, fortified yogurt, sardines, eggs and Swiss cheese.

Vitamin E

Another fat-soluble antioxidant is vitamin E. Most people recognize vitamin E as a healing agent, and it is. It also improves immune system function and protects the body from infections, viruses, diseases and toxins. It repairs damaged tissues, relieves a sore throat, decreases inflammation, reduces fevers and aids the healing process. If taking vitamin E in supplement form, the recommended daily dosage is 11 mg for teens and 15 mg for adults. Foods to eat that will supply vitamin E to the body include wheat germ oil, peanut butter, corn oil, hazelnuts, sunflower oil, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, mangoes and kiwi.

Incorporating the appropriate vitamins into the diet not only helps with the recovery from mononucleosis, it also builds the body up to be able to resist infections in the future.