Introduction of 6 Nutrients That Address Viruses
How do nutritional interventions differ from pharmacological interventions in addressing viruses? Here’s an introduction to the antiviral effects of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium and N Acetyl Cysteine
Note: Inspiration and sourcing for this post mainly comes from Dr. Alex Vasquez’s book, “Antiviral Nutrition” published in 2014.
Lately, it’s been a quest of mine to fully understand the implications of SARS Corona Virus 2 and the potential interventions ranging from pharmacological to botanical to nutritional. And while the last blog post mainly focused on lifestyle and dietary interventions to support the innate immune system, this post will mainly focus on specific antiviral nutrients, the research backing them and the dosages most effective when utilizing them.
Introduction
What is the difference between some of the potential pharmacological interventions vs. nutritional interventions for COVID-19? To answer this question, we must first look at the different mechanisms antiviral therapeutics act on, by a) blocking attachment of the virus to a cell in the upper or lower respiratory tract and therefore preventing the “takeover” of that cell by the virus. b) blocking the replication of the virus in other cells. c) enhancing the immune response of the human host and d) supporting cellular and whole body health.
Antiviral medications, such as Remidesivir and the anti malaria drug, Hydroxychloroquine mainly work by either a) blocking attachment of the virus to a cell or b) blocking the replication of the virus as it spreads to other cells. They may also do so at an impressive rate. However, they are unable to enhance the immune response of the human host or support cellular and whole body health.
A future SARS Coronavirus 2 vaccine would mainly address the enhancement of an adaptive, or specific host immune response. In other words, it would involve cellular memory, the production of antibodies, and the summation of an immune response to one current, non mutated version of SARS Coronavirus 2. This could serve to be problematic in the future, as members the Coronavirus family, which consists of over 100 different viral strains, many harmless, often experience frequent genetic mutations leading to antigenic drift. Although this phenomenon is not seen in diseases with more immune durability such as measles, it is commonly seen in the Influenza virus, requiring constant updates in the development of associated vaccines. Any vaccine designed for Coronavirus is therefore likely to lead to impermanent and non durable immunity. (3)
In my humble opinion, the pharmacological therapies listed above, are certainly effective strategies with the potential to save many lives. However, they are limited in their effect on overall human health and should only be used in conjunction with, or secondary to nutritive therapies. The therapies I’m about to introduce below not only block viral attachment and replication, but they have the broader health implications of supporting both innate and adaptive immunity, supporting cellular health and supporting whole body health. So without further ado, here is an introduction to our 6 antiviral superstars:
#1: Vitamin C: Probably the best well known immune supportive nutrient. As a matter of fact, major medical journal The Lancelet recently recommended the nutrient as a treatment for respiratory distress in late stage COVID-19 (7). Also known as Ascorbic Acid, this nutrient supports innate immunity by up regulating activity Natural Killer Cells and Macrophages. It also helps reduce histamine which at high levels inhibits a proper immune response. Finally, Vitamin C has been shown to sequester high levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6). which is a marker of inflammation produced during a highly dangerous stage of COVID-19, known as a “cytokine storm.” (2, 13). This stage of the illness, which is a result our own immune system, is characterized by high levels of unbridled inflammation within the lungs, often leading to tissue damage and severe respiratory distress.
Dosing and Instructions: 1,500-3,000 mg of oral Vitamin C is recommended for prevention and early stages of COVID-19. Intravenous Vitamin C is offered at much higher dosages for later stages of the disease. Although not present with intravenous, or IV administration of the nutrient, oral intake of Vitamin C may cause minor side effects of loose stools at higher dosages. As a water soluble vitamin, it is relatively safe. However, Vitamin C should also be avoided in individuals with iron overload.
#2: Zinc: This nutrient has been shown to be especially effective in impairing RNA viruses, which includes the Coronavirus. It is able to inhibit Coronavirus in vitro (in laboratory settings) and in vivo (in human subjects). It does so by blocking attachment of the virus at a cellular level and also inhibits the replication process (12). Additionally, Zinc has been shown to support adaptive immunity and the production of antibodies. Similar to Vitamin C, it has been shown to reduce the inflammatory response seen in late stages of COVID-19 by reducing the NF-KB (NF Kappa Beta) pathway and sequestering Interleukin-6 (9). Perhaps this is the reason that Zinc is beginning to be used as an adjust therapy in certain ICU’s across he country.
Dosing and Instruction: 30-50mg a day are recommended during a viral infection. It is important to note that long term use of Zinc may cause Copper deficiency and therefore, 2-4mg daily is recommended with long term intake.
#3: Vitamin D: Vitamin D is one of the most potent immune nutrients that works at a cellular level. In regard to innate immunity, it helps protect the barrier of mucous membrane and supports secretion of IgA (an immunoglobulin) and antimicrobial peptides. It further supports the immune system by modulating the adaptive immune system, and the Vitamin D receptor is expressed on B cells, T cells and Antigen presenting cells (10). Decreased Vitamin D levels have been associated with increased risk of respiratory infections and increased mortality in elderly individuals (11).
Dosing and Instructions: Daily or weekly dosing is most effective and 4,000-5,000 IU daily is likely to be safe. Much larger doses may be necessary with severe deficiency. It is always best to check blood levels of Vitamin D with long term usage as it is a fat soluble vitamin and able to be stored intracellularly.
#4: Vitamin A: Works synergistically with Vitamin D as they both affect nuclear transcription factors that influence the nucleus of cells (8). It also protects mucous membrane barriers and decreases susceptibility to all infectious diseases. It further helps up regulate the activity of T cells, such as T regs and increases production of various antibodies by B cells. It therefore supports both innate and adaptive immunity, and as an antioxidant, also helps reduce oxidative stress caused by pathogenic organisms (6).
Dosing and Instructions: During an acute infection, Vitamin A (in the form of Retinoic Acid) may be dosed at 10,000 IU daily and even up to 50,000 IU daily. However, this should not be done long term as like Vitamin D, it is a fat soluble vitamin. It is best to be completely avoided during any stage of pregnancy.
Selenium: In most cases, studies have demonstrated an enhancement of both cell mediated and humoral immune responses by increasing levels of Selenium intake. It has been shown to inhibit the NFKB pathway which is the inflammatory pathway highjacked by viruses to promote replication (5). Additionally, it has been shown to promote lymphatic flow as a result of its antioxidant properties (1).
Dosing and Instructions: 200 mcg is a recommended daily dosage of the micronutrient, with an increase to 600 mcg during acute viral infections.
And…last but note least, #6: N-Acetyl Cysteine. This is a nutrient that is unique when compared others, in the fact that a) it is an amino acid and has a unique chemical structure when compared to the first fore mentioned nutrients. b) Unlike the other nutrients mentioned in this post, it already has a traditional use within hospitals, particularly as an antidote to overdosage of Tylenol (Acetaminophen). N-Acetyl Cysteine is a powerful antioxidant, a conjugating agent for detoxification and is anti viral by way of blocking attachment to cells. It has been studied for its intravenous and oral use against H1N1 in Europe (4). Such as in the case of Vitamin C and Zinc, it is also a strong modulator of inflammatory mediators such as NF-KB, Interleukin 6 and Interleukin 10. Additionally, it is strongly mucolytic, making it a useful nutrient to address the dry cough often seen in COVID-19 patients with deep, hard to expectorate mucus in the lungs (14).
Dosing and Instructions: 600mg twice a day is standard oral dose used in viral infections. However, up to 6,000-7,000mg of intravenous use may be necessary in severe, late stage infections.
The next blog post will mostly focus on botanicals that have been used alongside traditional medicine in Chinese hospitals treating COVID-19. Please stay tuned!
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