12 Best Supplements for Anosmia 2022

Anosmia is the inability to perceive smell/odor. It might be short-term or long-term, acquired or congenital. There are numerous reasons for this. However, anosmia is now recognized as one of COVID-19’s key symptoms. The loss of smell and taste appears to be transient in most cases, with a regaining of smell and taste after a few days to weeks. (Source)

Early studies show that..
- 10% of patients with anosmia (loss of sense of smell ) develop this first and then go on to get the other common symptoms – fever and cough.
- 58% of people lose their sense of smell along with other symptoms
- 32% develop anosmia after the onset of other symptoms. (Source)

Anosmia Symptoms

Anosmia symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly. These symptoms include..
– Decreased or absent sense of smell
– Sense of taste aren’t working as well as they used to (flavor is the combination of taste and smell)
– Nasal congestion or blockage
– Nasal inflammation
– Respiratory infection

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis, such as repeated infections, facial pressure and pain, nasal blockage, and drainage, are frequently associated with the loss of smell. It should not be painful or unpleasant to have a reduced sense of smell. Moreover, since the sense of smell is so closely linked to the ability to taste food and beverages, hyposmia or anosmia can also linked to a decreased appetite.

Best Supplements for Anosmia

Here are the best for the loss of smell. One thing you should remember is, taking too much vitamins can be harmful. You must read and follow the recommended dose. If you are unsure, best to consult your doctor for determining the right dose.

A. Alpha Lipoic Acid For Anosmia

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant produced naturally in the body as well as found in foods and available as supplement. It aids in the digestion of carbohydrates and the production of energy.

According to one study, alpha-lipoic acid may aid patients with olfactory loss following an upper respiratory tract infection.

Moreover, alpha lipoic acid exhibits strong antioxidant properties and modulates the immune system by regulating T cell activation making it a useful therapeutic candidate for cytokine storm triggering SARS-CoV-2 infection. (Source)

Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements and Reviews

1. Now Supplement Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg

BUY ON AMAZON - NOW Supplements, Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg

NOW Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement Review
I read an article from the NIH stating that Alpha Lipoic has been shown to help with anosmia (loss of smell). I figured it was worth a shot and NOW is a reputable brand. Can’t say for sure, but after 9 months without a sense of smell, and after 19 days of taking these, I can smell again.

2. Nutricost Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg

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Nutricost Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement Review
I read that ALA might help with smell dysfunction. I had a “scrambled” sense of smell. Everything kind of smelled the same. (not good) So I thought I’d try it out. Well, after 1 week of taking this, I noticed I was smelling things that I had not been able to for over 8 months. By week 2 more smells started coming back. By week 4 of taking 900mg/day I feel like my sense of smell is almost back to normal. Anosmic to normosmic in 4 weeks.

Side note: I also took Krill oil daily too, as I read Omega3’s can help, but I always take those with my normal daily multivitamin.

3. Sundown Super Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg

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Sundown Super Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplement Review
I waited to write my review until I finished the bottle (note my pic of empty bottle). I wanted to give an honest review. Good news – this stuff works! I have diabetes and neuropathy and it’s definitely helped with that! Its definitely helped with my restless leg syndrome. But get this – I lost all my sense of smell and taste to covid. And it didn’t come back. Seriously, it’s been a year. I tried zinc and it helped, but with ALA, my sense of smell and taste has started coming back!

B. Fish Oil - Omega 3 for Anosmia

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, are part of a healthy diet that is associated with lower levels of inflammation. Several studies have looked into the use of fish oil supplements to prevent heart disease, cancer, and other conditions related to inflammation.

At Mount Sinai hospital in New York, Alfred Iloreta is leading a trial treating patients who’ve lost their sense of smell due to Covid-19 with omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil. He believes this could help accelerate the healing process in the nasal cells damaged by the virus and the olfactory neurons. “Omega-3 supplementation could help in two ways,” he says.

“The first would be through an anti-inflammatory pathway, reversing the damage done by viral infection in the supporting cells or the neurons. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to have both regenerative and neuroprotective effects on damaged neurons in patients with peripheral nerve injury.” (Source)

Fish Oil Omega 3 Supplements and Reviews

4. Nature Made Fish Oil 1000mg – Omega 3

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Nature Made Fish Oil 1000mg Review
These are helping me get taste back after having Covid-19 8 months ago.

5. Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil – Triple Strength

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Dr. Tobias Omega 3 Fish Oil – Triple Strength Review
I honestly have to say that this is the best Omega 3 product. I have been taking this for over a year and the reason I am a current subscriber for delivery every three month without any hassle. This product is easy to swallow, has no taste afterwards and provides the end results in keeping my immune system healthy and strong. 100% Recommending this to everyone.

C. Vitamin A Drops For Anosmia (Vitamin A Nose Drops)

Vitamin A drops are used “for regenerative treatment of acute or chronically damaged nasal mucous membranes, for instance in the overuse of certain nasal sprays, for dry mucous membranes during winter months or where there is irritation…”

Vitamin A is thought to support the recovery of the delicate olfactory tissues that can help to restore the sense of smell in cases of post-viral smell loss, although doctors are still waiting for better evidence of the effectiveness.

The first study in Germany in 2017 found Vitamin A drops “beneficial”, however the sample size was small which is why more studies are needed. A research study at the University of East Anglia was initiated in 2021 to carry out further trials and we’ll bring you the results when they are published in 2022. (Source)

Applying Vitamin A Drops for Nose / Covid
To use nasal drops effectively, lie on your side with your head tilted to make the bridge of your nose the lowest part. Squeeze the drops vertically down the nostril and wait for two minutes to allow the drops to reach deep into the nose. Repeat on the other side.

Vitamin A Drops

6. Biocare Vitasorb A 15ml

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D. Curcumin / Turmeric for Anosmia

Curcumin is a flavonoid polyphenol that is the active element in the spice turmeric. Curcumin is antioxidant molecules with anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities.

A series of case studies reports the speedy and consequential restoration of taste and smell in two subjects infected with COVID-19 following ingestion of one 1000 mg dose of a turmeric supplement. In conclusion, turmeric can be considered in the treatment of anosmia and ageusia caused by COVID-19 infection.

Another study shown that administration of oral curcumin with piperine as an adjuvant symptomatic therapy in COVID-19 treatment could substantially reduce morbidity and mortality, and ease the logistical and supply-related burdens on the healthcare system. Curcumin could be a safe and natural therapeutic option to prevent Post-Covid thromboembolic events.

Curcumin Supplements

7. NatureWise Curcumin Turmeric 2250mg

BUY ON AMAZON - Biocare Vitasorb A 15ml

NatureWise Organic Curcumin Turmeric 2250mg Review
I’ve been recommending this to everyone I know with back pain. MAN.! It has made a BIG difference on my inflammation. I was due for a surgery, but didn’t go due covid. I started taking this as Reccomended by a chiropractor to take high dosage of curcuma and reading others reviews here, THANK YOU 🙏🏻
It does help greatly fir inflammation. You must take it and build up, but it is worth the wait. I’m gardening and dancing again 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

8. Jarrow Formulas Curcumin 500mg

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Jarrow Formulas Curcumin Review
I think this product is a good supplement for any one who is dealing with health issues. It strengthens your cells and immune system. I noticed the difference with in weeks.

E. Vitamin D for Anosmia

Vitamin D is gaining more attention in recent years, with low levels of 25(OH)D being correlated with many common diseases, for instance cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D supplementation has also been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

And now, study shown that there is a link between hypovitaminosis D and a diminished sense of smell.

Two cases are presented in which reduced olfaction appeared to improve after supplementation with vitamin D. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results; and, if confirmed, this symptom may be an effective screening tool used to determine the need to assess serum 25(OH)D levels.

Vitamin D Supplements and Reviews

9. Vitamin D3 5000 IU

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Carlyle Vitamin D3 5000IU Review
It’s extremely important to take vitamin D3 in the winter since we don’t get much sunlight. Also, some doctors say that Covid patients are low in this vitamin and it may help to ward off illness. My doctor said my test results showed I was deficient in Vitamin D3 and wanted me to take supplements. This seems to be a good one to choose.

10. Nature Made Extra Strength Vitamin D3 5000 IU

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Nature Made Extra Strength Vitamin D3 5000 IU Review
A potent and a readily bioavailable form of vitamin D. A perfect therapy in the age of Covid: a potentially preventative measure targeting the Hunan virus and a means to supplement the deficiency of natural Vitamin D production due t excessive indoor quarantining.
Highly recommend.

F. Vitamin B Complex for Anosmia

Adequate vitamin intake is necessary for proper body function and strengthening of the immune system. Vitamin B not only helps to build and maintain a healthy immune system but it could potentially prevent or reduce COVID-19 symptoms or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. (Source)

A case of complete anosmia in a young male with COVID-19. Although he had fever and odynophagia, no abnormalities were observed in his nasopharyngeal mucosa, suggesting that his anosmia resulted from olfactory neuropathy.

The patient received olfactory training and B complex vitamins. And the result is on day 30, the patient reported complete recovery of his sense of smell.

Vitamin B Complex Supplements

11. Vitamin B Complex by Nature’s Bounty with Vitamin C

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Vitamin B Complex by Nature’s Bounty Review
These vitamins should be taken by everyone, they are all very useful and water soluble, these are very helpful to fight against covid, they are really helpful for just about everyone and gives you energy.

12. Bronson Super B Vitamin B Complex

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Bronson Super B Vitamin B Complex Review
I got this because during the pandemic physicians back East were giving people (my family had Covid) vitamins with the antibiotics. Vitamin B was one of the vitamins so I started taking them all. This is a great product all in one!

FAQ

1. What causes anosmia?

There are many common conditions that can cause anosmia to develop. These may include:
- Nasal polyps.
- Common cold.
- Influenza (flu).
- Nasal congestion.
- A deviated septum.
- Sinus infection (sinusitis).
- Hay fever or other allergies.

Anosmia has also be linked to:
- Diabetes.
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Kallmann’s syndrome.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Certain medications, such as antibiotics and antihistamines.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Sjogren’s syndrome.
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Brain tumors. (Source)

2. Anosmia vs hyposmia

Hyposmia and anosmia are both odor disorders. Hyposmia is a condition in which the ability to detect odor is reduced. Anosmia is a condition in which a person is unable to detect any odor.

3. Is loss of smell and taste dangerous?

While loss of smell and taste itself is rarely harmful, it can be linked to a variety of serious health problems. It can also impair your capacity to detect odors such as smoke, gas leaks, or rotting food. As a result, people with anosmia should take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their surroundings. Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors on a regular basis, and check the expiration dates on your food.

However, you must seek emergency medical care if you have symptoms, for instance difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion.

4. How to improve your sense of smell and taste

a. Practice Using Your Sense Of Smell
The more you practice using your sense of smell, the better it will get. Smell everything from lentils, spices, and flowers to perfumes, grass, and wood around you. But still, you must keep an eye on what you’re inhaling.

b. Quit smoking
When you smoke, you destroy more than just your lungs. Smoking has been found in studies to harm both your sense of smell and your sense of taste. As a result, kicking the butt is a sure-fire technique to improve your sense of smell.

c. Get vitamins
Lots of researchers linked supplements with Covid 19 fast recovery and prevention. Below are 3 vitamins that can help you improve your sense of smell and taste. Always read and follow the recommended intake for avoiding the risk of overdose or consult a doctor if you unsure.

Watch: Lost Your Sense of Smell? Here's How to Get it Back!

5. Can low b12 cause loss of taste and smell?

Yes. Severe vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to deep depression, paranoia and delusions, memory loss, incontinence, loss of taste and smell, and more. (Source)

6. Do patients of anosmia experience symptoms of rhinorrhea?

A study has shown that 28% of patients with anosmia/hyposmia had symptoms of rhinorrhea. 

However, another French study showed a higher percentage of patients with rhinorrhea (57%) along with anosmia. Lechien et al. stated that among the 18.2% of the patients without nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, 79.7% were having hyposmia or anosmia.[Source]

Anosmia and Covid

7. What causes the loss of taste and smell when suffering from COVID?

The actual cause of COVID-19 is still unknown, however researchers suspect it is caused by injury to the olfactory epithelium, which is a part of the nose.

8. Can covid cause permanent anosmia?

One recent study, which tracked the health of 2,428 individuals who claimed to have lost their sense of smell and/or taste as a result of COVID-19, found that 40% of them had completely regained their sense of smell six months later, while only 2% reported no improvement at all. 

A separate survey suggested that recovery may be faster than this for many individuals, with 71.8% reporting a return to “very good” or “good” smell after one month, and 84.2% reporting a return to “very good” or “good” taste. (Source)

9. How long does anosmia last after covid-19?

In most cases, the smell loss lasts only a few weeks, but for more than 12 percent of people with COVID-19, olfactory dysfunction persists in the form of ongoing reduction in the ability to smell (hyposmia) or changes in how a person perceives the same smell (parosmia). (Source)

10. Can too much zinc cause loss of smell?

Yes. COVID-19 symptoms include multiple additional risks for zinc deficiency, which may exacerbate existing risk groups. Elderly and nutritionally challenged populations are known to have higher rates of zinc deficiency, which has been associated with poor outcomes for pneumonia.

However, over-supplementing zinc can also cause loss of smell or taste, apparently associated with nasal applications of zinc (Source)

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