Vitamin B12 Pharmaconutrition for COVID-19

Abstract

Mortality from COVID-19 disease is much greater in the elderly, many of whom succumb to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) triggered by the viral infection. High dose parenteral vitamin B12 offers a promising novel therapy for those COVID-19 patients with ARDS from sepsis/ septic shock. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of vitamin B12 and transcobalamins can modulate the systemic inflammation contributing to the cytokine cascade that leads to ARDS. Clinical studies are now required to establish an appropriate regimen for administering vitamin B12 as pharmaconutrient for critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Keywords

• Pharmaconutrition
• COVID-19
• Vitamin B12
• ARDS
• Critical Care