Covid 7/28/20 | COVID 19 Information Page

Another reason why Asia fatality rate much lower – besides eating cabbage (kimchi – as noted https://covid19mathblog.com/2020/07/covid-7-21-20/) – Seaweed – https://www.nature.com/articles/s41421-020-00192-8

“when taken orally, the fucoidans, isolated from edible sulfated seaweed polysaccharides, are considered as “Generally Recognized as Safe” and heparin, an approved drug, is not orally bioavailable. Interestingly, a retrospective clinical study suggests that the administration of anticoagulants, such as heparin, may provide better outcomes for patients hospitalized with COVID-19, including a dramatic reduction in mortality of intubated patients17. It is unknown whether this is a result of heparin’s anticoagulation alone, or to some degree is an effect of its anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. Inhaled heparin has additional benefits such as reducing pulmonary coagulopathy and inflammation without producing systemic bleeding18. To this end, we suggest that treatment of fucoidans, nebulized heparin, or possibly TriS-heparin in combination with or without current antiviral therapies, should be assessed first in human primary epithelial cells and then in human patients suffering from COVID-19.”

Summary article and comments – https://www.fastcompany.com/90532822/this-seaweed-extract-outperforms-covid-drug-remdesivir-in-the-lab

“The extract, called RPI-27—found in the same type of seaweed that you might eat in sushi—helps trap the virus before it can infect human cells. Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute tested the extract in the cell studies, along with the blood thinner heparin, which has a similar effect.”

“In cell tests in the lab, RPI-27 was nearly 10 times as active as remdesivir at blocking infection, meaning a much smaller dose was needed to inhibit infection. Heparin was slightly less active than remdesivir but could also be used in treatment. Separate tests showed that the compounds worked without causing any damage to the cells. The researchers are now beginning the next step of animal trials.

But it should be generally safe: “Anytime you eat seaweed in something like sushi, you’re going to be taking in these compounds,” he says. Because only a small concentration is needed, and the compound is found in edible seaweed, a treatment could get FDA approval fairly quickly because the substance is considered GRAS, or generally recognized as safe.”

Diet for sure must play a part in covid deaths. In terms of death per capita – even though Japan oldest and one of the most populated density they fared well in covid – along with South Korea (both large cabbage and seaweed consumers). China did very well but suspect on data. Germany fared well in the European country (large cabbage eater). Norway did very well to and is known to focus on Vitamin D intake from cod liver oil to fortified foods. UK is known as the least healthiest European country and it shows in the stats. Mexico and Brazil difference potentially lies in the different approach – Brazil is dispensing HCQ and Mexico is not – time will tell…