Supplement users at lower risk from covid-19

Taking immune supportive supplements can reduce your risk of developing covid-19. A new preprint study from researchers at Kings College London used self-reported data collected by the Zoe app to find out what supplements users of the app have been taking during the pandemic. Vitamin D, omega 3, multivitamins and probiotic supplements were found to have a protective effect, while the team found no protective effect for vitamin C, garlic and zinc. When they drilled down into the detail, women appeared to receive more benefit from taking supplements than men, however it was felt this could be due to reporting bias. Combined with a healthy diet, supplements can help to support immune resilience naturally and reduce an individual’s risk of severe illness from a range of viruses including SARS-CoV-2. The role of vitamin D in preventing severe covid-19 has been tacitly acknowledged by the UK Government as they prepare to supply elderly and at-risk people with free vitamin D supplements, although the daily level of vitamin D in the supplements falls well short of what’s required to support a healthy immune system.

Honey and Nigella Sativa speed recovery from covid-19

Using honey and Nigella sativa significantly improved covid-19 patients’ recovery time. Conducted by researchers in Pakistan, 313 patients (210 moderate and 103 severe) were included in the new study published as a preprint. Half were given honey and Nigella sativa seeds (HNS) alongside standard care, while the other half were given a placebo. Those in the HNS group cleared the virus 4 days quicker than those in the placebo group. Both honey and Nigella sativa are known for their anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in relation to upper respiratory tract infections as well as being cheap and easily accessible treatments.

Covid cocktail reduces hospitalisation and mortality rates in covid-19

A combination of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), zinc and azithromycin significantly reduced hospitalisation and mortality rates in those treated. A recent study published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents by Dr Vladimir Zelenko and colleagues, reports on 141 patients diagnosed with covid-19 given the triple treatment over a five-day period. Those treated were 84% less likely to be hospitalised than patients not given the 3-prong treatment. Of the 141 patients who received the treatment four were hospitalised versus 58 in the control group. Only one patient in the treatment group died opposed to 13 in the untreated group. The use of HCQ to treat covid-19 has been the subject of intense controversy since it was first championed by Donald Trump. Two high profile papers, which raised serious concerns over the use of HCQ, were withdrawn from The Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine due to significant concerns over the underlying data used shortly after publication. As with so many effective treatments that are being ignored, blocked and dismissed by mainstream medics and governments, all three components of the cocktail are easily accessible and affordable. But the drugs aren't new or under patent any longer and zinc as a natural ingredient can't be patented, so this cocktail doesn't net as much profit as a new drug would.

Calls for halt to vaccine approvals and trials

In the US, an Administrative Stay of Action has been submitted by Dr Sin Hang Lee calling on the Food and Drug Administration to prevent approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that has just been given emergency approval for use in the UK. Dr Lee has previously raised concerns over the use of PCR tests to detect SARs-CoV-2 infections. In his petition he details the potential for harm to the American people if the vaccine is approved based on tests deemed not fit for purpose, instead calling for the use of Sanger sequencing to verify infections. In Europe, Drs Wodarg and Yeadon are calling for all covid-19 related vaccination studies to be stopped. In an application to the European Medicine Agency they say trials should be suspended until study designs address the increasing safety concerns expressed by many renowned scientists. In their petition they also highlight the lack of accuracy of PCR tests and call for the use of Sanger sequencing to verify covid-19 infections. Drs Wodarg and Yeadon are calling on European citizens to support their petition by sending an email to the EMA.

UN agree to declassify cannabis

In an historic vote on Wednesday, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) agreed to accept a World Health Organization recommendation to remove cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The decision means it is no longer listed with other highly addictive drugs such as heroin. The vote is a huge step forward for the CBD industry, but it’s unlikely to make much impact initially as governments still retain local jurisdiction over the classification of cannabis.

Cancer in young adults increasing

A new study published in JAMA Network reports a worrying increase in rates of cancer in those aged under 39 years. Analysing data from the US National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program, the researchers found diagnoses to have risen by 30% between 1973 and 2015. During the time period studied, cancer diagnoses increased from 57 to 74 per 100,000. In males, the most common types of cancer were testicular, melanoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, while in females they were breast, thyroid, cervical and uterine. The results of the study mirror those of a recent study published by the American Cancer Society in the journal CA.