Introduction:The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) infection that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), declared by WHO as a pandemic in 2020, poses a challenge to human health as well as to global economies. Thus far, the quest for vaccines and other approaches to this pandemic have focused on synthetic molecules, which are – predictably – associated with a variable degree of adverse side effects.
Results: Here we report that a combination of specific micronutrients can block the interaction between the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 and its cellular anchor, the ACE2 receptor. Moreover, this micronutrient combination was able to significantly decrease the expression of the ACE2 receptor on human alveolar (lung) epithelial cells by more than 90%.r 90%.
Conclusion: This study provides the basis for an effective and safe public health strategy based on optimum intake of micronutrients. It allows people around the world to actively participate in the prevention of coronavirus infections – beyond wearing masks, social distancing and other defensive measures.