Selenium supplementation may improve COVID-19 survival in sickle cell disease

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is associated with lower selenium levels, and the serum selenium level is inversely associated with haemolysis in SCD. The SCD population is more vulnerable to adverse COVID-19 outcomes. SARS-CoV-2 infection lowers the serum selenium level and this is associated with severity of COVID-19. Selenium supplementation is proposed to improve COVID-19 outcomes in the sickle cell disease population.

Health-promoting benefits of lentils: Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects

“…As mentioned, lentils are rich in immune-boosting vitamins and minerals ( Table 1 ); such food consumption is particularly important for elderly individuals to enhance immunity through a plant-based diet. Of clinical importance, the potential benefits of selenium and zinc on reducing disease burdens of patients with COVID-19 are reported ( Razzaque, 2020 , 2021 ; Fakhrolmobasheri et al, 2021 ; Henderson, 2021 ), and lentils are a good source of these elements ( Table 3 ) ( USDA, 2018 ). The lentil lectin derived from Lens culinaris showed potent and broad antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 mutant strains ( Wang et al, 2021 ; Ahmed et al, 2021 ); similar antiviral activity against SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV was also reported ( Keyaerts et al, 2007 ; O'Keefe et al, 2010 ; Millet et al, 2016 ).…”