Early Nutritional Interventions with Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin D for Raising Anti-Viral Resistance Against Progressive COVID-19

Abstract

Objectives: The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) conveys a serious threat globally to health and economy because of a lack of vaccines and specific treatments. A common factor for conditions that predispose for serious progress is a low-grade inflammation, e.g., as seen in metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart failure, to which micronutrient deficiencies may contribute. The aim of the present article was to explore the usefulness of early micronutrient intervention, with focus on zinc, selenium, and vitamin D, to relieve escalation of COVID-19. Methods: We conducted an online search for articles published in the period 2010–2020 on zinc, selenium, and vitamin D, and corona and related virus infections. Results: There were a few studies providing direct evidence on associations between zinc, selenium, and vitamin D, and COVID-19. Adequate supply of zinc, selenium, and vitamin D is essential for resistance to other viral infections, immune function, and reduced inflammation. Hence, it is suggested that nutrition intervention securing an adequate status might protect against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - coronavirus-2) and mitigate the course of COVID-19. Conclusion: We recommended initiation of adequate supplementation in high-risk areas and/or soon after the time of suspected infection with SARS-CoV-2. Subjects in high-risk groups should have high priority as regards this nutritive adjuvant therapy, which should be started prior to administration of specific and supportive medical measures.

Association Between Vitamin D and Novel SARS-CoV-2 Respiratory Dysfunction – A Scoping Review of Current Evidence and Its Implication for COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Considering that adverse events related to vitamin D toxicity are rare (Kimball et al, 2017;McCartney and Byrne, 2020;Slominski et al, 2020), experts have since recommended vitamin D supplementation of 10,000 IU/d of vitamin D3 for a few weeks to rapidly raise 25(OH)D levels, followed by 5000 IU/d, with the goal of raising 25(OH)D levels to >40-60 ng/mL (100-150 nmol/L) for populations at risk of influenza and/or COVID-19 (Aloia and Li-Ng, 2007;Martineau et al, 2009Martineau et al, , 2019Urashima et al, 2010;Alexander et al, 2020;Chakhtoura et al, 2020;Siuka et al, 2020;Tramontana et al, 2020;van der Meulen, 2020). For treatment of COVID-19 patients, higher vitamin D3 doses were recommended by the authors (Ebadi and Montano-Loza, 2020;Liu et al, 2020;Slominski et al, 2020).…”

COVID-19: Poor outcomes in patients with zinc deficiency

“…Multivitamin supplements are not uncommon in 'flu' prescriptions. Supplementation with zinc is increasingly recommended in the management of COVID-19 patients (Alexander et al, 2020;Kumar et al, 2020). However, it is unclear whether these patients are actually deficient in zinc.…”

Vitamin D, zinc and glutamine: Synergistic action with OncoTherad immunomodulator in interferon signaling and COVID‑19 (Review)

“…Thus, IFNs can play a role in the treatment of COVID-19, not only through their antiviral activity, but also by counterbalancing the cytokine storm, which is actually observed in acute infection by the influenza A virus (49). Other mechanisms through which these compounds could potentially counteract the cytokine storm, specifically related to their well-known immunomodulatory effects, and other aspects of COVID-19 not covered in the present review are further discussed elsewhere (11,13,15,16,(19)(20)(21)23,25,26).…”

“…These nutrients are referenced as potential adjuvants in the prevention and treatment of viral infections (6)(7)(8)(9). Moreover, emerging evidence provided in the literature has consistently highlighted the potential role of these nutrients, as well as the immunotherapeutic agent OncoTherad, in the prevention or therapy of COVID-19 (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27). The combination of these nutrients with OncoTherad aims to provide specific metabolic support that, when coordinated with their individual antiviral effects, may represent a putative therapeutic and/or preventive action against COVID-19.…”