Key Moments
COVID-19 Q&A #1 with Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D.
FoundMyFitnessKey Moments
Dr. Rhonda Patrick answers COVID-19 questions on children, hydroxychloroquine, Vitamin D, saunas, Vitamin C, and melatonin.
Key Insights
Children are generally less susceptible to severe COVID-19 but may play a role in community transmission; infants are more vulnerable.
Hydroxychloroquine's efficacy for COVID-19 is unproven, with limited and conflicting study results, though it may act as a zinc ionophore.
Vitamin D is crucial for immune function and may protect against respiratory infections; deficiency is common in at-risk populations.
Sauna use shows protective associations with respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and the common cold, potentially by boosting the immune system.
Intravenous Vitamin C shows promise in preliminary studies for sepsis and ARDS, with ongoing trials for severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
Melatonin, a hormone regulating circadian rhythms and immunity, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may play a role in severe COVID-19.
SUSCEPTIBILITY AND TRANSMISSION IN CHILDREN
Studies indicate that while children are generally less susceptible to severe COVID-19, with milder symptoms and better prognoses than adults, they can still contract the virus. Infants under one year appear more vulnerable to severe illness. Children may play a significant role in community-based transmission due to more upper respiratory tract involvement. Research also suggests potential fecal-oral transmission, though evidence for replication-competent virus in stool is limited. Regarding mother-to-infant transmission, current data suggests SARS-CoV-2 is not transmitted from pregnant mothers to their infants at birth, with negative tests in newborns and placental samples. However, antibodies (IgG and potentially IgM) have been detected in neonatal blood, indicating the mother's immune response.
HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE AS A POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC
Hydroxychloroquine, an established drug for malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, is an inexpensive option with a known safety profile, though cardiac toxicity is a concern. Current evidence for its use in COVID-19 treatment is limited and conflicting. Some small, non-randomized studies suggested it might help clear the virus or improve clinical outcomes, especially when combined with azithromycin. However, other pilot studies found no significant difference in recovery rates for mild to moderate cases, and no clinical benefit in severe cases. Mechanistically, hydroxychloroquine may act as a zinc ionophore, inhibiting viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase replication, and might interfere with viral entry into cells. Large, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
QUERCETIN AND BLOOD TYPE INFLUENCES
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in various plant-based foods, exhibits antiviral properties in vitro and has been identified as a potential repurposed drug for COVID-19. Similar to hydroxychloroquine, it may function as a zinc ionophore, inhibiting viral RNA replication. Preliminary studies suggest a possible link between blood type and COVID-19 risk, with blood group A potentially having a higher risk and blood group O a lower risk. This may be due to Type A antibodies, present in individuals with Type O blood, inhibiting the virus's interaction with the ACE-2 receptor. Further research is required to confirm these associations and understand the underlying mechanisms.
THE ROLE OF VITAMIN D AND ACE2 RECEPTORS
Vitamin D, a steroid hormone crucial for immune function, is deficient or insufficient in a significant portion of the population, particularly the elderly, obese, those in northern latitudes, and individuals with darker skin. Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased risk of respiratory tract infections. The ACE-2 receptor is vital for SARS-CoV-2 entry but also plays a protective role in the lungs by regulating the renin-angiotensin system and preventing acute lung injury. SARS-CoV-2 binding to ACE-2 can lead to its downregulation, potentially exacerbating lung damage. Vitamin D may help counteract this by increasing ACE-2 levels and downregulating renin, rebalancing the system and offering protection against acute lung injury. Supplementation, generally around 1000-4000 IU daily, is suggested for those at risk, confirmed via blood tests.
SAUNA USE AND IMMUNE RESPONSE
While no direct data links sauna use to preventing COVID-19, studies suggest it may offer protection against respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and the common cold. Sauna use promotes mild hyperthermia, inducing physiological responses that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and activating cellular defense systems. Frequent sauna use has been associated with a lower incidence of pneumonia and common colds. This may be due to increased production of heat shock proteins, which help maintain cellular homeostasis and protect against stress. Heat shock proteins also play a role in innate immunity and can directly inhibit viral activity. Hot baths can also increase heat shock proteins and are a viable alternative for heat therapy.
INTRAVENOUS VITAMIN C AND MELATONIN AS ADJUVANTS
Intravenous (IV) vitamin C bypasses intestinal absorption, achieving much higher bioavailability than oral doses. While specific data for COVID-19 is pending, ongoing trials are investigating its use in severe pneumonia. Preliminary evidence from anecdotal reports and studies on sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) suggests IV vitamin C may reduce mortality, shorten hospital stays, and improve organ function. Melatonin, a hormone regulating circadian rhythms, possesses significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help dampen the 'cytokine storm' associated with severe COVID-19 by modulating the immune response and inflammasomes. Though no direct studies link melatonin to COVID-19 prevention or treatment, its protective effects in preclinical models of lung injury and its role in improving sleep suggest a potential beneficial role.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Supplements
●Products
●Tools
●Organizations
●Books
●Studies Cited
●Concepts
Common Questions
Yes, children of all ages are susceptible to COVID-19, though they generally experience milder symptoms than adults. Infants under one year are more vulnerable to severe illness. While they may play a role in community transmission, their exact impact on viral spread is still being studied.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
A receptor that the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses to enter cells. Its role in lung protection and regulation by Vitamin D and other factors is discussed.
Mentioned as a polyphenol, like quercetin, capable of transporting zinc cations across the plasma membrane.
Mentioned in the context of potential fecal-oral transmission of COVID-19.
Mentioned as a virus against which azithromycin has shown antiviral activity in animal studies.
Programmed cell death. Melatonin can modulate apoptosis.
A medical journal where a paper was published reporting a high COVID-19 death rate among Somali immigrants in Stockholm.
Also known as chickenpox, mentioned as an example of a virus that can be passed via vertical transmission from mother to child.
A system regulating blood pressure, body fluid homeostasis, and inflammation. Its imbalance is discussed in relation to COVID-19 severity, ACE2 receptors, and Vitamin D.
A press release from March 2020 summarizing initial findings on pediatric COVID-19.
Mentioned as a pathogen against which quercetin has shown antiviral activity in vitro.
A reactive oxygen species produced by Vitamin C at pharmacologic doses, potentially killing pathogens and unhealthy cells.
A study that found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from mother to child in nine births.
Shown to be a zinc ionophore in a cancer model. Also discussed for interfering with viral entry into cells.
A potential therapeutic found to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection in engineered tissues, which is expected to be tested in clinical trials.
Mentioned as an example of a virus that can be passed via vertical transmission from mother to child.
A type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. Low levels are a clinical feature in severe COVID-19, and their proliferation can be promoted by Vitamin C.
The process by which cells engulf and remove foreign particles or pathogens. Melatonin enhances this process.
A modality of heat stress that, like saunas, can increase heat shock proteins known to modulate the immune system.
An expert consensus statement published in February 2020 regarding COVID-19 in children.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Used as a comparison for viral respiratory infections and Melatonin's potential protective effects in preclinical models.
A severe lung condition characterized by pulmonary edema and hypoxia, a complication of severe COVID-19 and other critical illnesses. Discussed in relation to ACE2 receptors and Vitamin C.
An open-label, non-randomized clinical trial discussed for its findings on hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for COVID-19.
An organization that defines Vitamin D deficiency cutoff levels based on parathyroid hormone.
The active form of Vitamin D, which protected animals from acute lung injury by balancing the renin-angiotensin system.
Mentioned as a pathogen against which quercetin has shown antiviral activity in vitro.
Discussed for potential role in treating sepsis and ARDS, and as a possible adjuvant treatment for COVID-19, highlighting its higher bioavailability compared to oral forms.
A study published in March that reported on the epidemiological characteristics and transmission patterns of pediatric COVID-19 patients in China.
Traditional saunas discussed for their association with reduced risk of respiratory illnesses and potential immune modulation.
Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells. Melatonin can inhibit its translocation to the nucleus, blunting pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Receptors that heat shock protein 70 can stimulate, playing a role in the innate immune response.
The common flu, mentioned as having a clinical spectrum similar to COVID-19 in children and as a viral illness that can lead to pneumonia.
Interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Melatonin supplementation has been shown to reduce its levels.
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