Covid-19 (and its variants) is not only a respiratory disease: it affects the whole body. To date, despite the impressive outcomes of vaccination, no “magic bullet” or cure has been identified to combat Covid-19. Vaccination is an essential and core part of the solution, however appears that it will take some time to achieve adequate levels that provide herd immunity world-wide.
Here we outline some of the known anti-viral or immune supporting properties for a range of nutrients as well as emerging re-purposed use of some supplements.
(B1 – Thiamine, B2 – Riboflavin, B3 – Niacin, B5 – Pantothenic Acid, B6 – Pyridoxine and Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, B12 – Cobalamin).
The B Vitamin Group play an essential role in cell functioning, energy metabolism and immune function. They assist in proper activation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, prevent hypercoagulability, and potentially reduce the length of stay in hospital.
Anti-Inflammatory, antioxidant and immune enhancing properties, including increased synthesis of Type I Interferons. 1-3
Direct viricidal properties against a range of viruses including COVID. It is also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Quercetin acts as a zinc ionophore and it is likely that with Vitamin C has synergistic prophylactic benefits. 2,4
Elemental Zinc at doses of 30-50mg per day inhibit RNA dependent polymerase vitro against SARS-CoV-2 virus and is essential for innate and adaptive immunity. 5-15, 19,20
Vitamin D insufficiency has been associated with an increased risk of death from SARS-CoV-2. A recent study of residents in a long-term care facility demonstrated that those residents who took Vitamin D supplementation had a much lower risk of dying from Covid-19. 10-18
Both in human and animal models, evidence is showing that magnesium plays a key role in the immune and anti- inflammatory response as a co-factor for immunoglobulin synthesis, C’3 convertase, immune cell adherence, antibody-dependent cytolysis, IgM lymphocyte binding, macrophage response lymphokines and T-helper B cell adherence. 21-26
Formulae Immune Support formulas are an initiative developed exclusively for Formulae pharmacies.
As with all nutritional supplementation, it is important to have the correct dose of each ingredient to ensure safety and efficacy. Our pharmacists have worked together to prepare a protocol that can be customised to suit your unique needs. Contact one of our pharmacies below to speak with one of our specialists, and commence your immune support regime when it is most important – prior to, and (for the unfortunate) during infection.
Have your customised immune support formula made for you at one of Australia’s favourite pharmacies.
1. Possible Prophylactic Approach for SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Combination of Melatonin, Vitamin C and Zinc in Animals. FATIMA, SABIHA , et al. 2020, Frontiers in Veterinary sciences.
2. Quercetin and Vitamin C: An Experimental, Synergistic Therapy for the Prevention and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Related Disease (COVID-19). BIANCATELLI, RUBEN, et al. 2020, FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY.
3. Clinical Trial: The Study of Quadruple Therapy Zinc, Quercetin, Bromelain and Vitamin C on the Clinical Outcomes of Patients Infected With COVID-19. PROQUEST. 2021, US FEDERAL NEWS SERVICE.
4. Cyclosporine and Herbal Supplement Interactions. COLOMBO, D, LUNARDON, L and BELLIA, G. s.l. : Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2014, JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY.
5. VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY CONTRIBUTES DIRECTLY TO ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME. DANCER, RCA, PAREKH , D and LAX, S. 2015, THORAX.
6. Immune-boosting role of vitamins D, C, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids: Could they help against COVID-19? SHAKOOR, HIRA, et al. s.l. : ELSEVIER, 2020, Maturitas.
7. The Role of Vitamin D in Suppressing Cytokine Storm in COVID-19 Patients and Associated Mortality. NEWSRX LLC. 2020, Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA.
8. Zn2+ Inhibits Coronavirus and Arterivirus RNA Polymerase Activity In Vitro and Zinc Ionophores Block the Replication of These Viruses in Cell Culture. VELTHUIS, AARTJAN, et al. 11, 2010, PLOS PATHOGENS, Vol. 6.
9. Zinc in Infection and Inflammation. GAMMOH, NOUR and RINK, LOTHAR. s.l. : MDPI, 2017, NUTRIENTS.
10. Zinc acetate lozenges for treating the common cold: an individual patient data meta-analysis. HEMILA, HARRI, et al. 2016, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
11. Vitamin D Supplementation in Influenza and COVID-19 Infections Comment on: “Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths”. KOW, CHIA, HADI, MUHAMMAD and HASAN, SYED. 4, 2020, Vol. 12, p. 988.
12. SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates associated with circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. KAUFMAN, HARVEY, et al. 2020, PLOS ONE.
13. Vitamin D Insufficiency is Prevalent in Severe COVID-19. NEWSRX LLC. s.l. : NEWSRX LLC, 2020, Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA.
14. Does vitamin D status impact mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection? MARIK, PAUL, KORY, PIERRE and VARON, JOSEPH. 2020, Medicine in Drug Discovery.
15. Editorial: low population mortality from COVID-19 in countries south of latitude 35 degrees North—supports vitamin D as a factor determining severity. Authors’ reply. GARG, MAYUR, et al. 2020, ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS.
16. VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY CONTRIBUTES DIRECTLY TO ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME. EASTLY, K. 2015, THORAX.
17. The role of vitamin D in the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 infection and mortality. ILIE, PETRE, STEFANESCU, SIMINA and SMITH, LEE. 2020 : s.n., Aging Clinical and Experimental Research.
18. Mortality in an Italian nursing home during COVID-19 pandemic: correlation with gender, age, ADL, vitamin D supplementation, and limitations of the diagnostic tests. CANGIANO, BIAGIO, et al. 2020, AGING
19. A Combination of High-dose Vitamin C Plus Zinc for the Common Cold. MAGGINI, S, BEVERIDGE, S and SUTER, M. 2012 : s.n., The Journal of International Medical Research.
20. Persistent low serum zinc is associated with recurrent sepsis in critically ill patients – A pilot study. HOEGER, JANINE, et al. 2017, PLOS ONE.
21. Chen H, Guo J, Wang C, Luo F, Yu X, Zhang W, et al. Clinical characteristics and intrauterine vertical transmission potential of Covid-19 infection in nine pregnant women: a retrospective review of medical records. Lancet. 2020;395(10226):809-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30360-3 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30360-3
22. Fish EN. The X-files in immunity: sex-based differences predispose immune responses. Nat Rev Immunol. 2008;8(9):737-44. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri2394 https://doi.org/10.1038/nri2394
23. Roved J, Westerdahl H, Hasselquist D. Sex differences in immune responses: Hormonal effects, antagonistic selection, and evolutionary consequences. Horm Behav. 2017;88:95-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.11.017 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.11.017
24. Grossman CJ. Interactions between the gonadal steroids and the immune system. Science. 1985;227(4684):257-61. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3871252 https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3871252
25. Olsen NJ, Kovacs WJ. Gonadal steroids and immunity. Endocr Rev. 1996;17(4):369-84. https://doi.org/10.1210/edrv-17-4-369 https://doi.org/10.1210/edrv-17-4-369
26. Schröder J, Kahlke V, Book M, Stüber F. Gender differences in sepsis: genetically determined? Shock. 2000;14(3):307-10. https://doi.org/10.1097/00024382-200014030-00011 https://doi.org/10.1097/00024382-200014030-00011
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