April 2020

Medical researchers are investigating two food supplements that may help fight the effects of coronavirus, because they have been effective against other flu-like viruses.

As well as trying to develop a vaccine, scientists are reviewing things that have worked against previous viruses like flu and SARS. And that is why they are looking at Quercetin and Zinc.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a popular food supplement, a compound that helps colour some plants. As a flavonoid, it is a good anti-oxidant, but it also has been shown to stop the spread of the H1N1 and H3N2, as well as many other flu viruses. 

That’s why Michel Chretien, a researcher at the Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, and Majambu Mbikay from the University of Ottawa, have asked the Chinese government for permission to test quercetin in China, the original source of the coronavirus.

More details here:

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-feb-28-2020-1.5479561/as-coronavirus-spread-speeds-up-montreal-researchers-will-trial-an-anti-viral-treatment-for-covid-19-in-china-1.5480134

Zinc

The trace element zinc has been shown to slow down the spread of the viruses that cause SARS and the common cold, and to treat pneumonia.

Now experts in Australia are testing zinc injections to see if they help coronavirus patients. The experts warn that overdoses of zinc can be toxic, so they warn the public not to start taking high doses of zinc until they have their test results. Please stick to the recommended daily doses if you take zinc supplements.

More details here:

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-04-world-first-trial-benefit-intravenous-zinc.html