Nutrients, Research and Covid-19
It is still early days in terms of research in Covid-19's response to micronutrients but already some nutrients with potential are scientifically emerging. I thought it would be great to share what promising research has already found.
Interesting Research to note on COVID-19
- The British Medical Journal published a meta – analysis of 25 randomised double blind , placebo – controlled trials including approximately 11,000 patients, which found an overall protective effect of vitamin D supplementation against acute respiratory infections. Vitamin D supplementation signifanctly reduced the risk of acute respiratory tract infection among all participants , with patients who were very vitamin D deficient ( < 25nmol/L25- hydroxyvitamin D ) experiencing the most benefit of supplementation.
- Quercitin ( an anti-inflammatory form of vitamin C ) has been found to inhibit the NF- kB pathway and to improve survival and decrease cellular damage in a mouse model of sepsis. If it helps at a sepsis level then great to boost immune at any earlier stage I am sure. Quercetin and nutrients in green tea has been shown to inhibit SARS . Particularly the nutrient Epigallocatechin . It is thought that it may have a similar effect for corona virus as they affect a similar pathway in the immune system and cellular development of disease. Cinnamon may also be of assistance, however the research was only for SARS. Liquorice was also mentioned (CAUTION with high blood pressure) as potential immunomodulator.
- Vitamin C 1.5 gram IV every 6 hours ( total of 6g a day) given with cortisone and thiamine was shown to significantly decrease mortality and prevent progressive organ failure in patients in sepsis state. It was shown that with this vitamin C protocol there was a 8.5% death rate of people at end stage compared to a 40.4% control group. Because of this there is now a trial underway investigating Vitamin C infusion treatment for severe COVID -19 infected pneumonia where patients receive 24grams of vitamin C daily for seven days.
- Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Lactobacillus appeared to reduce the severity and duration of viral respiratory infections and Bifidobacterium showed benefits in increasing immunity in the elderly.
- Due to the new appearance of coronavirus, it can be difficult to obtain current research as research projects are still in process. Due to this a study in April 2020 reviewed the literature on the nutrient impact of vitamins and minerals on viral infections, particularly those that focus on the respiratory system. It was found that selenium, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin D. Micronutrients showed particular potential benefit to the elderly population.
- N- Acetylcysteine(NAC) is a protein that is a precursor to glutathione. Already we know this product is great for what is known as biofilms. NAC and Glutathione may be useful adjunct in COVID- 19 treatment due to it's role in combating oxidative stress. NAC may also help combat abnormal blood clotting and help break down clots seen in many bad Covid cases. Research has demonstrated that NAC can attenuate symptoms of influenza and improve cell mediated immunity. NAC also inhibits viral replication and expression of pro- inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and reduce acute respiratory syndrome. In 2 patients treated with 2 grams of IV glutathione the shortness of breath improved within one hour.
Ref: Martineau, A. R et al. ( 2017) The British Medical Journal , 356, ig583, DOI:http://doi.org/10.1136/bnj.i6583
Jayawardena, R., Sooriyaarachchi,, P, et al. (2020). Enhancing immunity in viral infections, with special emphasis on COVID-19: A review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7161532/
McCarty, M.F., & DiNicolantonio, J.J. (2020). Nutraceuticals have potential for boosting the type 1 interferon response to RNA viruses including influenza and corona virus. Prog Cardiovasc Dise. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7130854/
Adem, S., Eyupoglu,V. (2020). Identification of Potent COVID-19 Main Protease (Mpro) Inhibitors from Natural Polyphenols: And in Silico Strategy Unveils a Hope against CORONA. https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202003.0333/v1
Polansky, H., & Lori, G. (2020). Coronavirus (COVD-19), First Indication of Efficacy of Gene-Eden_VIR/Novirin in SARS-CoV-2 Infections. Int J Antimicrob Agents. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146686/
Dr. Joseph Mercola, Potential Roles of NAC and Glutathione in COVID- 19 treatment.