Scholarly Article (BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 2020) - Dietary micronutrients in the wake of COVID-19: an appraisal of evidence with a focus on high-risk groups and preventative healthcare

Title:

Dietary micronutrients in the wake of COVID-19: an appraisal of evidence with a focus on high-risk groups and preventative healthcare

 

Authors:

Shane McAuliffe, Sumantra Ray, Emily Fallon, James Bradfield, Timothy Eden & Martin Kohlmeier

 

Published:

BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 2020

Click here to read.

Abstract:

Existing micronutrient deficiencies, even if only a single micronutrient, can impair immune function and increase susceptibility to infectious disease. Certain population groups are more likely to have micronutrient deficiencies, while certain disease pathologies and treatment practices also exacerbate risk, meaning these groups tend to suffer increased morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases. Optimisation of overall nutritional status, including micronutrients, can be effective in reducing incidence of infectious disease. Micronutrient deficiencies are rarely recognised but are prevalent in the UK, as well as much more widely, particularly in high-risk groups susceptible to COVID-19. Practitioners should be aware of this fact and should make it a consideration for the screening process in COVID-19, or when screening may be difficult or impractical, to ensure blanket treatment as per the best practice guidelines. Correction of established micronutrient deficiencies, or in some cases assumed suboptimal status, has the potential to help support immune function and mitigate risk of infection. The effects of and immune response to COVID-19 share common characteristics with more well-characterised severe acute respiratory infections. Correction of micronutrient deficiencies has proven effective in several infectious diseases and has been shown to promote favourable clinical outcomes. Micronutrients appear to play key roles in mediating the inflammatory response and such effects may be enhanced through correction of deficiencies. Many of those at highest risk during the COVID-19 pandemic are also populations at highest risk of micronutrient deficiencies and poorer overall nutrition. Correction of micronutrient deficiencies in established COVID-19 infection may contribute to supporting immune response to infection in those at highest risk. There is a need for further research to establish optimal public health practice and clinical intervention regimens.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine - Ab8 COVID-19 Drug Breakthrough: Tiny Antibody Component Completely Neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 Virus

Title:
Ab8 COVID-19 Drug Breakthrough: Tiny Antibody Component Completely Neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 Virus

By:
University of Pittsburgh

Published:
SciTechDaily, 14 September 2020
https://scitechdaily.com/ab8-covid-19-drug-breakthrough-tiny-antibody-component-completely-neutralizes-the-sars-cov-2-virus/

From the article:
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientists have isolated the smallest biological molecule to date that completely and specifically neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the cause of COVID-19. This antibody component, which is 10 times smaller than a full-sized antibody, has been used to construct a drug — known as Ab8 — for potential use as a therapeutic and prophylactic against SARS-CoV-2.

Research led by Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Israel-US team find drug that can stop Covid-19 in its tracks

Title:
Israel-US team find drug that can stop Covid-19 in its tracks

Published:
Israel21c, 14 July 2020
https://www.israel21c.org/downgrading-covid-19s-threat-to-that-of-the-common-cold/?mc_cid=df419e0081&mc_eid=28489aa4bd

From the article:
Could a well-known cholesterol-lowering drug help treat Covid-19? A research team led by Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Yaakov Nahmias says that early research looks promising.

Madagascar’s claims about clinical trials for herbal coronavirus cure creates confusion [rfi, 29 May 2020]

Title:
Madagascar’s claims about clinical trials for herbal coronavirus cure creates confusion

Author:
Daniel Finnan

Published:
rfi, 29 May 2020
http://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20200529-madagascar-s-claims-about-clinical-trials-for-herbal-coronavirus-cure-creates-confusion-1

From the article:
"Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina this week announced the start of clinical trials of an injectable solution based on extracts of the artemisia plant, a herbal treatment the Malagasy leader has been promoting for treatment of Covid-19."

npr, 17 May 2020 - Senegal Pledges A Bed For Every Coronavirus Patient — And Their Contacts, Too & other related information resources on Senegal [Note: Worth reading]

Title:
Senegal Pledges A Bed For Every Coronavirus Patient — And Their Contacts, Too

Author:
Ricci Shryock

Published:
npr, 17 May 2020
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/05/17/856016429/senegal-pledges-a-bed-for-every-coronavirus-patient-and-their-contacts-too

From the article:
"In this country of 16 million known for its peaceful democracy and sense of community, Senegal's response to the coronavirus is notable not only for its humanity but for its thoroughness. For example, each newly diagnosed individual – no matter how mild or severe the case – is provided a hospital or health center bed where he or she stays isolated and observed– a key element to Senegal's strategy to contain the virus."

See also:
Senegal trials begin for $1 COVID-19 test kit
Aljazeera, 28 April 2020 (video 2:53)
* Trials have begun in Senegal on a coronavirus testing kit. It costs a dollar and gives results in 10 minutes. Al Jazeera's Nicolas Haque reports from the capital, Dakar.  

See also:
Senegalese engineering students fight coronavirus with inventions
Aljazeera, 13 May 2020
* Students at top Dakar school turn skills towards easing pressure on hospitals with innovations such as medical robots.

See also:
Senegal eases COVID-19 restrictions as food crisis looms
Aljazeera, 24 May 2020 (video 2:15)
* The World Food Programme says the pandemic could push an additional 130 million people to the brink of starvation by the end of the year. 
* While the number of infections is multiplying in Senegal, the government is easing restriction on movement, fearing a looming food crisis.

Current Covid-19 statistics for Senegal (27 May 2020):
Total number of cases: 3,161
Total deaths: 36
Total recovered: 1,565
Active cases: 1,560
Serious/critical: 18
Source: Worldometer (coronavirus)

Madagascar (Paris Match, 18 May 2020) - Artemisia et Covid-19 : le remède malgache booste l’Afrique (article in French)

Title:
Artemisia et Covid-19 : le remède malgache booste l’Afrique

Author:
Vanessa Boy-Landry

Published:
Paris Match, 18 May 2020
https://www.parismatch.com/Actu/Sante/Artemisia-et-Covid-19-le-remede-malgache-booste-l-Afrique-1685848

From the article:
"Le président de Madagascar a lancé un remède à base d’Artemisia pour lutter contre le nouveau coronavirus. Malgré les mises en garde de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS), la plante anti-malarienne revient sur le devant de la scène en Afrique."