Vitamins for Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis is a viral infection caused by the Epstein Barr virus. It is spread through saliva and symptoms may include sore throat, fever, fatigue, weight loss and loss of appetite. It typically lasts for two or three weeks, but it can persist past this time. Treatment generally consists of pain medications, antiviral drugs and a healthy diet. A variety of vitamins can relieve mononucleosis symptoms and restore your health. It is important to contact a medical professional before taking vitamins for mononucleosis.

Mononucleosis (Image: Chepko Danil/iStock/Getty Images)

Vitamin B-12

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Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that increases red blood cell production, improves nervous system function, strengthens your immune system, repairs damaged tissues, aids in the healing process, increases energy levels and lowers your risk of developing anemia, reports Lendon Smith, Lynne Paige Walker and Ellen Hodgson Brown, authors of the book "Nature's Pharmacy for Children: Drug-Free Alternatives for More Than 200 Childhood Ailments." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin B-12 is 2.4 micrograms for teens and adults. Foods rich in vitamin B-12 include rainbow trout, milk, plain yogurt, beef liver, top sirloin beef, white tuna, salmon, breakfast cereals, eggs and roasted chicken.

Vitamin C

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Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your body against damaging free radicals that can cause mononucleosis, according to Steve Blake, author of the book "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified." Blake explains that vitamin C also hydrates your body, repairs damaged tissues, accelerates the healing process, and increases collagen production. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin C is 1,000 milligrams for teens and adults. Foods rich in vitamin C include blackberries, grapefruits, lemons, limes, oranges, pineapples, grapefruits, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach and Swiss chard.

Vitamin D

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Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates your immune system, soothes a sore throat, reduces fevers, repairs damaged tissues, decreases inflammation, increases energy levels and heals wounds, according to Sheila Buff, author of the book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin D is 15 micrograms for teens and adults. Foods rich in vitamin D include fortified orange juice, beef liver, ready-to-eat cereals, milk, tuna fish, salmon, fortified yogurt, sardines, eggs and Swiss cheese.

Vitamin E

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Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that improves immune system function and protects your body from infections, viruses, diseases and toxins, according to Harold Sox, Jr., John Wasson and Timothy Walsh, authors of the book "Common Symptom Guide: A Guide to the Evaluation of Common Adult and Pediatric Symptoms." Sox, Wasson and Walsh report that vitamin E also repairs damaged tissues, relieves a sore throat, decreases inflammation, reduces fevers and aids in the healing process. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin E is 11 milligrams for teens and 15 milligrams for adults. Foods rich in vitamin E include wheat germ oil, peanut butter, corn oil, hazelnuts, sunflower oil, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, mangoes and kiwi.