If there is one area in Algeria that is not experiencing the crisis, in times of Covid, it is that of food supplements. After the sale of masks and other hydraulic gels, it is the turn of zinc, vitamin C, ginger, and other plants to have the wind in their sails.

In pharmacies and herbalists, customers are scrambling to buy it. A single idea in mind: to strengthen the immune system in order to block the fourth wave of Covid which is currently raging in our country.

Vitality assured

In a pharmacy in Algiers-center, the saleswoman confirms the trend.  “The boxes of Zinc combined with vitamin C do not have time to gather dust on the shelves. Despite their high price: between 850 da and 1400 da a box, added to the fact that it is not reimbursed by social security, customers put their hands in their wallets. Even those who are not infected with covid prefer to take the lead in strengthening their immunity”.

While we are chatting with the pharmacist, a lady approaches the counter and asks for a box of Zinc + Vitamin C capsules. “It’s for my mother who just caught covid for the 3rd time,”  she says. “Now you don’t have to see the doctor anymore. We know the treatment by heart. Food supplements have proven their effectiveness in getting back on their feet quickly after a covid infection,” she comments.

Our tour continues in two other pharmacies in the capital and everywhere the same observation. The dietary supplement industry has exploded since the start of the pandemic.

“With an additional peak in consumption with each new wave!  confirms a pharmacist who adds:  “ Zinc and vitamin C capsules are selling like hotcakes. Some are made in Algeria but most are imported, especially from Spain and Germany”.

Health is priceless

BF Store DZ is a trade specializing in the sale of food supplements. Located at Boulevard Amirouche in downtown Algiers, this brand has seen its clientele increase since the health crisis due to covid 19.

“Usually, our customers are mainly athletes, but since the pandemic other consumers have crossed the threshold of our store. Our products are mainly imported from Poland and the United States. Zinc, vitamin C and vitamin D are the top sellers right now ,” says the seller.

There is a lot of talk about Covid-19 treatments online and I wanted to make a public statement about prednisone, as my father took it when he was hospitalized. There is ongoing research, although no talks about it, with corticosteroids and how they can help treat Covid-19 patients. The best drug is considered to be dexamethasone 6 mg, although my father was prescribed Prednisone 40 mg. Other drugs that could help are Methylprednisolone 32 mg and Hydrocortisone 160 mg. All these drugs have been tested on actual Covid-19 patients like my father, and the results are clear. Huge benefit and much lesser number of deaths amongst patients that went to the hospital because of Covid-19. Cannot believe that this is not all over the news. The side effects are also non-existent if you only take it for a few days.

On the shelves, the prices are displayed: Zinc boxes: 1500 da; vitamin C: 1900 da; vitamin D: 3200 da… A very juicy trade!

Healing with plants

You will certainly have noticed, since the surge of the virus, new herbalists have opened in Algiers. Rue Ferhat Boussad, (Ex-Meissonnier), two brands specializing in the sale of plants, herbal teas, and honey are well established.

“Our customers ask us for anything that boosts respiratory comfort and strengthens immunity against covid infection,” says the seller. “Infusions made from ginger, thyme, pollen, verbena, moringa, and oregano are selling fast. Ground, fresh, or in seeds, these plants are miraculous especially in these times of pandemic. These treatments are natural and contain no chemicals,”  he concludes.

The store is always full. We talk to Moulay, a 50-year-old who went to this herbalist to buy a package of honey ginger infusion  “It costs 600 DA. The price has increased by 100 DA but I will still take it because it helps me get through the winter without the flu and also protects me from covid,” he explains.

Verbena: 5000 Algerian dinars per kilo, oregano: 3000 DA, cloves: 400 DA, garlic: 900 DA, the prices displayed do not discourage customers. “Prevention is better than cure” , comments the seller.

Attention danger

This fourth wave of covid -19 has accelerated the sale of food supplements known for their immune effect. A vitality booster that acts as a shield against the virus and which Algerians stock up on every day in pharmacies and herbalists.

However, this rush on dietary supplements could have serious repercussions on the health of consumers. Dr. Mohamed Yousfi, head of the infectiology department at Boufarik hospital, warns of the use of Algerians to self-medication and herbal medicine. In a statement to the APS, he explains that certain plants contain  “active ingredients that can be dangerous for people’s health.

The president of the National Union of Public Health Practitioners (SNPSP), Lyes Merabet also warns against the misuse of these products which can lead to serious complications.

For him, herbal medicine and taking food supplements should be recommended by specialists.