How does Copper affect Covid-19?

Published at: 13.01.2022 16:56

Researchers are trying to find out if Copper can affect COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, scientists and doctors are trying to find a cure or at least a way to prevent infection with coronavirus. Many people turn to supplements, that boost the immune system. That is one way to try and fight the infection if we come into contact with it. Many studies were conducted on Copper and they have significant findings. In this article we will tell you about Cu and its possible effect on COVID-19.

Why Copper is so important for us?

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element that people need in order to have a healthy nutrient balance. When we consume copper from foods (like beef, oysters, potatoes, etc) the small intestine in our bodies absorb it. After that, it appears in the bloodstream.

When it reaches the blood, Cu distributes into two groups. The first is a plasma pool, which associates with bigger proteins. Secondly, copper distributes into a red cell pool, which is nonexchangeable for the most part. Why is copper important for humans? Like every other mineral and vitamin, Cu is one of the essential nutrients that help keep our immune system strong.

In case someone suffers from a copper deficiency, that person would experience frequent and severe infections. During infection, dendritic cells can attack invading microbes, which are packed with a high copper load. If someone has too little or too much Cu in their body, that can cause abnormal cellular function. People, who have Cu-deficiency are more likely to suffer from infections. Copper contact kills viruses on different surfaces. It is possible that copper has the ability to neutralize infectious viruses. These include bronchitis virus, poliovirus, human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1). ROS can mediate Cu-induced viral killing, where copper and hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredients. Researchers studied well the contact killing of bacteria, yeasts, and viruses on metallic Cu surfaces. These substances have the potential to inactivate most, if not all, viruses that can contaminate medical devices. This is the reason why many of the tables in hospitals are made out of copper.

Can Copper affect COVID-19?

Researchers conducted a test, where they exposed Copper to human coronavirus. They found out that Cu destroys the viral genomes and irreversibly affects virus morphology. This process also includes disintegration of envelope and dispersal of surface spikes.

Since COVID-19 took over the world, scientists and doctors have continuously try to find a cure. Except for the vaccine, there are still no administrable drugs that fight the coronavirus directly. So what is the other option that people have in order to fight COVID-19? People have to make their immune systems stronger and lead healthier lifestyles. If a person has a strong immune system, that is one certain way that his body will be competent enough to fight against the SARS‐CoV‐2.

According to research, scientists say that if we have plasma that is rich in copper, that will help boost both the innate and adaptive immunity in humans. Furthermore, because of its potent antiviral activities, Cu can also be a preventive and therapeutic measure against COVID-19. Dietary or therapeutic Cu supplementations could possibly affect the immune function of the host. It might as well prevent the severity of the viral infection.

In conclusion:

Copper has the ability to destroy the replication and propagation abilities of viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory viruses. Furthermore, Cu could totally eradicate pathogenic organisms such as coronavirus, influenza, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and fungi after a short period of exposure on a surface.

Author

Mihaela Ahchieva /Public relations, Marketing and Social media management/

Born in 1995
Sound knowledge (Management level) in Marketing and Social media (Planning marketing campaigns, devising marketing strategies, branding, creating content, managing social media channels, etc.
Sound knowledge in copy-writing, editing, and creative writing
Graduated New Bulgarian University with a Master's degree in Literature, media, and book publishing.
My role in MVS Pharma: Managing marketing, branding, and social media channels