Download This PaperCOVID-19 and Iodide
5 Pages Posted: 1 May 2020
Date Written: April 26, 2020
Abstract
Currently, no effective treatment or preventive strategy for COVID-19 exists. Medications targeting viral replication are under investigation but additional strategies may be needed to prevent infections in asymptomatic people.
WHO has suggested there is uncertainty concerning feasibility of antibody-based protection against SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, enhancement of innate immunity seems like a natural option to investigate. Iodide has recently been found to enhance antiviral defenses of the respiratory mucosa as a part of a little known nonspecific antiviral mechanism present in saliva and airways. However, its effectiveness in human is as of yet unproven.
Included in WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, iodide is known to be relatively safe. While iodide supplementation is an unproven idea, it might be helpful in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Given the relatively low toxicity and low cost of production, a randomized controlled trial of supplemental iodide would be feasible.
Note: Funding: None.
Conflict of Interest: None.
Ethical Approval: The study is a literature review/hypothesis. Therefore, patient consent or other similar consents are not applicable. Ethical board approval is not applicable.
Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, iodide, iodine, lactoperoxidase
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation