Microbiome and Vitamin Deficiencies in Acute and Post Viral Syndromes
Oxidative Stress Explained
The recent hiatus in Search For Truth articles has been due to several factors. Although it has been a cold, wet spring in southern Oregon, I have started a rather large vegetable garden from seed and small nursery starters. The plants are still in containers as it has been too chilly to transfer them to unprotected areas. I believe it is important to grow more of our own food, considering all the insecurities of our food chain. I have also suffered from some health problems leading me to research the role of vitamins, minerals and the gut microbiome in post viral syndromes such as Long Covid (aka Long Haul Covid) and many other disorders.
Thanks to online information provided by several doctors and nutritionists who practice a functional medicine approach, addressing root causes of health problems rather than merely treating symptoms, I learned some very valuable roles that vitamins, minerals and gut bacterium play in maintaining life that most people don’t realize. It’s essential to understand the function of these nutrients to maintain health as well as to recover from acute illness. Unfortunately, many allopathic practitioners do not fully understand the importance of nutrition in treating and preventing disease of their patients. With the right knowledge, people can take responsibility for improving their own health.
The following information will likely feel fairly technical. Good vitamin balance is all in the details! It important to put nutritional therapies into perspective as just one of many elements of healing, recognizing the body cannot maintain and repair health without sufficient raw materials & nutrients.
The Microbiome
Most people are probably aware that taking antibiotics for infections can decrease the number of good bacteria in the gut. Although the use of antibiotics saves the lives of people from serious infections, counter measures to replace the lost gut bacteria is needed, for example by taking probiotics. A common, serious complication of powerful antibiotics is another toxin producing infection called C-Difficile that is increasingly difficult to eradicate without the use of fecal implants for the replacement of normal bacteria in the colon. Unfortunately, these measures are often insufficient used alone.
Dr. Sabine Hazan, MD is a gastroenterologist who researched and conducted clinical trials of the bifidobacterium (a type of gut bacteria) of her patients during the height of the COVID pandemic. Bifidobacterium help to digest fiber, prevent infections, and produce healthy chemicals. Using protocols developed by other researchers, such as Dr. Peter McCullough in a C19 alliance, she compared the effectiveness of treatment protocols with and without Ivermectin (IVM) and Hydroxychloroquine in clinical trials financed from her personal funds. She continued to treat her patients on an outpatient basis that were not included in her studies. No one died. Study patients were either symptomatic after receiving the genetic shots and/ or who became ill with SARS-CoV-2.
Dr Hazan found in her research that the C19 shots were altering Bifidobacterium in her study patients, for which she was awarded a poster presentation prize by American Gastroenterologists. Furthermore, she found that newborns of vaxed mothers had zero bifidobacteria and that there were changes in mothers’ breast milk that can lead to autism in the children. Spikes in the death of the Bifiodbacteria occurred with both the C19 shots and the illness.
Research demonstrates that a microbiome imbalance is an important factor in cancer, GI diseases, neurological disorders, infections, Lyme disease and autoimmune disorders. Losses are also seen in C19, old age, and obesity. Bifidobacteria helps to breakdown food, absorb nutrients, and fight infection and is used to treat multiple conditions. It is a different type that that produced by fermented foods.
Dr Hazan purchased 27 products labeled as containing Bifidobacteria from Whole Foods. When she tested the products, only three had any bifidobacterial at all.
Dr Hazan’s states that hospitalized C19 patients who received high infusions of Vitamin C improved. Her hypoxic patients with oxygen saturation in the 70’s (normal is 95-100 %) improved with IVM. IVM is a fermented product of Streptomyces in a drug category called Avermectins. Dr. Hazan hypothesizes that it boosts immunity by feeding Bifidobacterium. Additional ways to increase Bifidobacterium is taking high dose Vitamins C and D, Fulvic Acid, prebiotics, probiotics, and eating soluble fiber.
Vitamin B Deficiencies
Elliot Overton, CFMP, DipCNM is a certified functional medicine practitioner and naturopath nutritional therapist in the UK with multiple YT educational videos and a website at EONutrition. He states that C19 and some other viral syndromes deplete four vitamins: Thiamine (B1), Niacin (B3), C (ascorbic acid) and D (calciferol). C19 infection causes extreme oxidative stress in the body applying high demand for these essential nutrients. Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many unstable molecules called free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants to get rid of them, leading to cell and tissue damage.
The C19 injections instruct the body to produce a continuing supply of spike protein, resulting in widespread vascular inflammation, micro blood clotting, and hypoxia (low oxygen) within the cells. The spike proteins also affect the heart, sexual organs, and mitochondrial energy production by the cells. The primary symptoms of hypoxic cells are fatigue and myalgia (muscle pain). In other words, spike proteins are one of the drivers of a multitude of Long Covid health problems.
Niacin (B3)
Niacin deficiency results in a condition known as pellagra. Untreated, it leads to death. Pellagra is characterized by a pigmented, cracked or scaly rash or brown discoloration of skin exposed to sunlight. In addition, pellagra can cause a bright red tongue and digestive tract changes with vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. The neurological symptoms of pellagra can include:
· depression, apathy
· headache
· fatigue
· dementia
· loss of memory that can progress to aggressive, paranoid, and suicidal behaviors
· auditory and visual hallucinations and loss of smell, taste and hair
· As pellagra progresses, anorexia develops, & the affected individual eventually dies.
The World Health Organization recommends treating pellagra with 300 mg/day nicotinamide in divided doses for 3-4 weeks along with a B-complex or yeast product to treat likely deficiencies in other B vitamins.
Mild symptoms of Niacin deficiency include indigestion, fatigue, canker sores, vomiting, poor circulation and depression.
During the early 1900’s, thousands of Americans died each year of B1 and B3 deficiency until a 1943 law was passed requiring Vitamin B fortification of processed grain foods. In addition to C19 and poor nutrition from famine or poverty, deficiency can be caused by poor absorption of either niacin or its amino acid precursor, tryptophan, moderate to heavy chronic use of alcohol, and some drugs such as Isoniazid, used to treat Tuberculosis.
If adequate levels of the amino acid tryptophan (which is also required to make the mood-regulating chemical serotonin) is present, niacin can be manufactured by the body. It is also water soluble, so if too much of the vitamin is present, it is simply excreted through urine.
Niacin is a precursor to the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which plays a vital role in helping mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouse, to create energy. All tissues in the body convert absorbed niacin into its main metabolically active form of NAD or to NADP (phosphate added).
NAD and NADP are involved as a cofactor in over 400 biochemical reactions in the body, primarily helping with energy metabolism by aiding the conversion of food into energy and repairing of DNA. This is more than any other vitamin-derived coenzyme.
Without adequate niacin in our diet, we would not be able to break down carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. Niacin is also responsible for the production of stress and sex hormones. It is an anti-oxidant. It has been shown to improve circulation and suppress inflammation. It is important for neurological and brain functioning. Some studies show it is helpful in treating Alzheimer’s Disease and psychiatric disorders. It protects skin from sun damage and may prevent some types of skin cancer.
NAD and NADP are required in most metabolic processes in cells where substrates are oxidized or reduced. NAD is primarily involved in catabolic reactions that transfer the potential energy in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s primary energy source. NAD is also required for enzymes involved in critical cellular functions, such as the maintenance of genome integrity, control of gene expression for anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant responses, and cellular communication. NADP, in contrast, enables anabolic reactions, such as the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids, and plays a critical role in maintaining cellular antioxidant function.
Elliot Overton explains how the Niacin becomes depleted with C19 infection. Severe viral infections create extreme oxidative stress and inflammation from the release of proinflammatory T cells. This activates the use of NAD and NADP to remove free radicals and reduce inflammation. However, the high metabolic demand eventually depletes the body’s stores of NAD/NADP coenzymes. As a backup mechanism, the body will convert tryptophan, normally used to produce serotonin and melatonin, to NAD, resulting in a decrease of those levels as well. Once all NAD and Tryptophan are depleted, the body’s ability to suppress inflammation is silenced. Unchecked, it results in a cytokine storm with widespread tissue and neurological damage.
Niacin Dietary Supplements
Niacin is available in multivitamin-mineral products, in supplements containing other B-complex vitamins, and in supplements containing niacin only. Nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are the two most common forms of niacin in supplements. Some niacin-only supplements contain 500 mg or more per serving, which is much higher than the RDA for this nutrient, used to promote HDL cholesterol although is associated with some adverse effects such as flushing and liver disease. Most people in the United States consume more than the 16 mg adult RDA for niacin, ranging up to 31.4 mg for men and 21.3 mg for women.
Thiamine (B1)
Thiamine, or B1, is necessary for the function of five different enzymes. Severe deficiency may lead to a condition called beriberi. Thiamine functions include:
· Cellular energy production by the mitochondria
· Supports uptake of oxygen and oxygen utilization
· Decrease of thrombotic clotting
· Protection against inflammation and cytokine storms
· Protection from oxidative stress and free radicals tissue damage as an anti-oxidant
· Protection against lactic acidosis
· Vital role in immune function, neurotransmitter synthesis, cell signaling, carbon metabolism
· Cellular protection from glycation, or the addition of sugar to protein or fat molecules
· Protection against amyloid plaque formation in the brain, a finding in Alzheimer’s Disease
· Essential for autonomic nervous system control
Causes of thiamine depletion are acute infections, including C19, over consumption of carbohydrates and regular use of alcohol (even two glasses of wine a day). Thiamine is necessary for the metabolism of refined carbs. It is also depleted by some drugs such as diuretics, so if Lasix doesn’t resolve edematous feet, it may be due to thiamine deficiency. Renal dialysis and gastric by pass surgery results in thiamine deficiency. High heat cooking and pasteurization degrades thiamine.
There is decreased absorption or depletion with aging, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, gut damage from NSAID or steroid medication, caffeine intake (over 2 cups coffee or tea), vaccines, and sulfites in red wine and raw fish. Other drugs associated with B1 deficiency include oral contraceptives, antibiotics, Metformin, an anti-seizure meds. Normal gut flora, microbiota, is essential for B vitamin absorption and production.
In the ICU, high dose infusions of thiamine and Vitamin C ( part of the MATH Protocol ) are used to treat cytokine storms, sepsis, and encephalopathy. B1 deficiency is involved in so many illnesses, it is called the Great Imitator of Disease.
Deficiency is nearly always present in Type 2 Diabetes and neurological complications because of poor absorption and interference with insulin production. Other associated pathologies include heart disease, lower extremity edema, peripheral neuropathy, a number of digestive problems, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, abnormal sweating, anxiety, brain fog, insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, lactic acidosis, recurrent ear infection, toxemia of pregnancy, exercise intolerance, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, vertigo, Alzheimer’s, SIDS, and mental irritability, just to name a few.
Fatigue and lack of energy for exercise is the most common symptom. Other symptoms may include low exercise intolerance, nerve pain or numbness, muscle weakness, poor coordination, blood pressure problems, rapid heart rhythm, edema, breathlessness & dyspnea, irritability and mood changes, poor memory and brain fog, loss of appetite, nausea, sleep disturbances, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss.
Thiamine supplements come in several forms with different dosing amounts. Thiamine HCL and Mononitrate are widely available but not as well absorbed as the fat soluble Benfotiamine. Benfotiamine is the best form to treat neurological conditions. TTFD and Sulbutiamine forms cross the blood brain barrier so have excellent central nervous system (CNS) absorption.
All the forms are beneficial, depending on how they are dosed. There are individual responses, so one form may be better tolerated than another. Because of common paradoxical reactions when starting supplementation while deficient, it is best to start at low doses and increase gradually to the effective dose. Most protocols include taking a B complex along with single dosing of either Thiamine or Niacin because all the B’s are necessary and work together. Many labs do not test for Niacin or Thiamine, so testing may be limited to B12 and folate.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that most animals are unable to synthesize. Severe vitamin C deficiency has been known for many centuries as the potentially fatal disease, scurvy. Deficiency of this vitamin is often associated with anemia, infections, bleeding gums, poor wound healing, capillary hemorrhage, muscle degeneration, atherosclerotic plaques and neurotic disturbances. For the correction of deficiency, vitamin C is often supplemented in large doses (1,000-3,000 mg/d) and unlike fat soluble vitamins, toxicity is rare.
Vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. Its many functions include:
· It is a potent natural antioxidant.
· Iron absorption
· Formation & maintenance of collagen, bones, and teeth
· Synthesis of certain neurotransmitters & neuropeptides; L-carnitine, catecholamine, tyrosine
· Activation of folic acid, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, conversion of tryptophan to serotonin.
· Protein metabolism
· Supports immune system, wound healing, recovery from infection in 20 different ways.
· Reduces the severity of allergic reactions
Vitamin C is used to treat oxidative stress and vascular inflammation in C19 infection. It restores and protects the blood vessel lining (endothelium), decreases inflammation, removes free radicals and stimulates the release of Type 1 Interferon. And according to Dr Hazan as described above, it helps to restore the microbiome. Vitamin C helps prevent or delay the development of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases in which oxidative stress plays a causal role. Multiple studies show it is associated with lower risks of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke through its beneficial effects on the vascular endothelium, nitric oxide and atherosclerosis.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with many functions, and is particularly vital to a healthy immune system with low risk of adverse effects. All autoimmune diseases are improved by Vitamin D. A study of 1176 hospitalized C19 patients demonstrated that those with low levels below 20 ng/ml were 14 times more likely to have severe symptoms.
The body converts cholesterol molecules in the skin from UVB sunlight (but not UVA), to the circulating, inactive D form, which is then activated by the liver and kidneys to 1a,25D3. Activated Vitamin D works by entering the nucleus of cells, where it binds to a VDR receptor and forms small sequences of DNA known as VDREs. These VDREs are thought to directly or indirectly regulate from 100 to 1250 genes.
People living north or south of Latitude 35, or with little outdoor exposure, require supplementation. Dark skinned people, elderly, obese and those with inflammatory bowel disease, fat malabsorption or chronic kidney disease also absorb less UVB. Use of sunscreen and clothing blocks absorption. People living in the Baltics, ie Finland, source Vitamin D from fatty fish foods. A blood level of 20-30 ng/ml is needed for bone metabolism, but at least 50-60 ng/ml for immune health. Because absorption levels have so many variants, it is wise to have Vitamin D level testing. Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D because near infrared (NIR) light is a source of melatonin as well, which is another potent anti-oxidant.
Although there are numerous reports of more severe C19 illness in the presence of low Vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml, there is a lack of evidence that treating Covid illness with Vit D supplementation is helpful.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and the ability to detoxify those reactive products. Antioxidants provide protection against oxidative stress. ROS play several physiological roles (ie cell signaling) and are generated as by-products of oxygen metabolism.
Environmental stressors including UV radiation, pollutants, heavy metals, certain drugs and bacterial or viral invasions increase ROS production. Excessive amounts of ROS can harm tissues and are involved with various diseases including cancer, diabetes, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular disease. ROS are mainly produced by the mitochondria in cells and can contribute to mitochondrial damages.
Free radicals are generated from both endogenous and exogenous sources. Immune cell activation, inflammation, ischemia, infection, cancer, excessive exercise, mental stress, and aging are all responsible for endogenous free radical production. Exogenous free radical production can occur as a result from exposure to environmental pollutants, heavy metals, certain drugs, chemical solvents, high temperature cooking, cigarette smoke, alcohol, and radiation. When these exogenous compounds penetrate the body, they are degraded or metabolized and free radicals are generated as by-products.
When maintained at low or moderate concentrations, free radicals play several beneficial roles for the organism. For example, they are needed to synthesize some cellular structures used by the host defense system to fight pathogens. Phagocytes synthesize and store free radicals in order to release them in the process of destroying invading pathogenic microbes.
Free radicals are also involved in a number of cellular signaling pathways. A well- known free radical acting as a signaling molecule is nitric acid (NO). NO is an important cell to cell messenger required for proper blood flow regulation, is involved in preventing thrombosis, and is crucial for normal neural activity. Summarizing, free radicals, when maintained at lower moderate levels, are important to human health.
However if in excess amounts, free radicals and oxidants become oxidative stress, which is a harmful process that can negatively affect several cellular structures including cell membranes, lipids, proteins, lipoproteins and DNA. Oxidized stress emerges when there is an excess of free radical formation and insufficient clearance by the cells.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2) is the key entry receptor where the C19 spike protein binds to the surface of cells, allowing entry. SARS-CoV-2 (C19) has an affinity for the heart, kidneys and lungs and is then shed into the plasma of the blood. ACE2 is a key regulator of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). ACE2 is important in the control of vasodilation and vascular permeability. Angiotensin II converts pro-oxidant chemicals to anti-oxidants, so is important for the cell’s oxidative balance as well.
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein increases ACE2 proteolytic activity by 3 to 10 fold in a paradoxical effect. However, after C19 spike proteins enter the cells they multiply rapidly, eventually degrading ACE2 levels with enhanced acute inflammation observed in severe C19 infections. Research approaches on utilizing ACE2 core for C19 treatment has yet to be successful.
If not strictly controlled, oxidative stress can be responsible for acute, chronic and degenerative diseases, as well as accelerating body aging. For example, it is well known that oxidative DNA damage is one of the stimuli responsible for cancer development. Research has also found oxidative stress to be either a primary or a secondary cause of cardiovascular disease. It is linked to several neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, depression, and memory loss.
Concluding Thoughts
From the above information about the microbiome, vitamins’ role in health and as anti-oxidants and how viral infections deplete both normal gut flora and vitamin levels, vitamin replacement is clearly an aspect of treating Long Covid. Vitamin level restoration is also an aspect of treating many other diseases. I have personally benefited from restoring my vitamin reserves using high dose supplements. Yet C19 is a complex phenomenon, with many elements and interacting parts. Numerous good doctors and scientists are researching answers for prevention and treatment of C19. Sadly, the current “vaccines” do not prevent C19 infection and have serious adverse effects.