Study finds therapeutic antiviral effects with vitamin C + quercetin administration.

Always looking for ways to enhance our immune system responses, we were extremely interested in a recent study that noted promising results using both vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and quercetin as a potential antiviral protocol in combination with other prescribed medications. If you aren’t familiar with quercetin, this is simply a plant-based flavonoid, found naturally in some vegetables, seeds or grains and widely available as a nutraceutical supplement as well.

Researchers representing several U.S. universities as well as in the U.K. and Europe investigated “Quercetin and Vitamin C: An Experimental, Synergistic Therapy for the Prevention and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Related Disease (COVID-19).” Their theory was based on the known immune actions and antiviral properties of vitamin C and its ability to reduce inflammation, restore mitochondrial function, modulate cytokines and support lymphocyte activity. A highly essential nutrient, it is involved in a diverse range of immune system functions and has shown to be beneficial in different types of viral infections. Previous studies regarding quercetin supplementation indicate it can be instrumental as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and has broad antiviral properties as well. This can serve to interfere with virus entry and replication while the therapeutic attributes also can be augmented by the co-administration of vitamin C.

Looking at prior research that showed the immune modulating effects of vitamin C and separately that of quercetin specific to SARS-Coronavirus, the scientists focused on a protocol that might be effective in SARS-CoV-2, otherwise known as COVID 19. The results of their study showed that “for prophylaxis in high-risk populations and for the treatment of COVID-19 patients as an adjunct to promising pharmacological agents such as Remdesivir or convalescent plasma.”1

The study details their multi-drug approach with quercetin and vitamin C that found this therapy “may disrupt virus entry, replication, enzyme activity and assembly, and concurrently fortify the immune response promoting early IFNs production, modulating interleukins, promoting T cell maturation, and phagocytic activity.”

A proposed modality includes:

For:                                Quercetin                              Vitamin C

Prophylaxis                   250-500mg, twice daily        500mg, twice daily
Mild cases                     50-500mg, twice daily          500mg, twice daily
Severe cases*               500mg, twice daily                3 gm, every 6 hours for 7 days

*ARDS-like presentation, requires assisted ventilator/intubation, ICU hospitalization

Both supplements are affordable, have a low-risk of any side effects (some temporary digestive upset may occur with the highest dose of vitamin C) and are widely available at a local retailer or online (no prescription required!) – just make sure you choose a high quality brand. While more research is needed to further investigate this protocol, we do think this study and its findings are extremely promising.

What else can we do for our immune system?

As you probably know and certainly have read on our pages, Vitamin C has been long-touted for its immune-boosting benefits along with several things we continue to recommend including:

•    Adequate sleep (7-8 hours nightly).
•    Regular exercise.
•    Nutritious diet with whole, not processed, foods.
•    Vitamin D3 + K2 supplement.
•    Reduce your exposure to toxins and chemicals as much as that’s possible.
•    Getting outdoors in nature.
•    Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
•    Stay connected however you can to friends, loved ones, neighbors, etc.
•    Manage stress with meditation, yoga, listening to music, or whatever helps you to gather your calm and reduce extreme responses that tax our immune system.

Remember to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program and to make sure supplements aren’t contraindicated or won’t interfere with the efficacy of any prescribed medication you may be taking.

For more information about keeping your immune system in top shape, please check out these and other articles in our regularly updated blog section too:
 
https://www.suzannegazdamd.com/blog/the-immunological-case-for-staying-active

https://www.suzannegazdamd.com/blog/the-healing-power-of-nature

https://www.suzannegazdamd.com/blog/the-immune-response-its-more-important-than-ever-to-ready-our-defenses

As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions or need to schedule an appointment. We are here for you in person or via telehealth! Just let us know how we can help.

In hope and health,
Dr. Suzanne Gazda


1 Colunga Biancatelli, Ruben Manuel Luciano, Berrill, Max, Catravas, John D., Marik Paul E. Quercetin and Vitamin C: An Experimental, Synergistic Therapy for the Prevention and, Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Related Disease (COVID-19). Frontiers in Immunology. (2020) Vol. 11, p. 1451. ISSN=1664-3224. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01451    
https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01451