Cancer Statistics in Hong Kong: The Need for Early Detection

According to 2022 statistics from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry under the Hospital Authority, there were 35,373 new cancer cases in Hong Kong, averaging 97 daily diagnoses. Cancer incidence rates per 100,000 population were 482 overall, with males (514) slightly higher than females (454). The top five cancers—lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and liver cancers—accounted for 58% of all new cases. Despite advancements in treatment, late-stage diagnoses remain a critical challenge, underscoring the urgent need for Early Cancer Detection strategies.

What is a CTC test?

The CTC test (Circulating Tumor Cell Test) is an innovative cancer screening method that detects cancer cells in the bloodstream before tumors are visible on imaging scans. This test is particularly effective for identifying cancer at its earliest stages, such as when tumors are smaller than 6 mm.

How is CTC test Done?

The CTC test involves a simple blood draw, where a sample is analyzed for the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). These cells are released into the bloodstream as cancer progresses, making them a key biomarker for early detection.

How Accurate is the CTC test?

A 2015 study by Papasotiriou et al. demonstrated that the CTC test achieves 86.2% sensitivity and 83.9% specificity across various cancers, including breast, prostate, pancreatic, colon, and melanoma. This high accuracy makes it a reliable tool for Early Cancer Detection. 

Key Benefits of the CTC Test

1. Early Cancer Detection

The CTC Test can identify cancer at its earliest stages, even before symptoms appear or tumors are visible on imaging. This is crucial for improving survival rates and treatment outcomes.

2. Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness

By tracking CTC blood test results, doctors can assess how well a patient is responding to treatment. For example, a decrease in CTC levels often indicates successful therapy.

3. Personalized Cancer Therapy

The CTC Test evaluates how cancer cells respond to specific treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. This information helps doctors tailor personalized treatment plans for better outcomes.

Who Should Consider CTC Testing?

• Individuals with a family history of cancer or elevated risk factors (e.g., smoking, obesity).
• Those seeking proactive Early Cancer Detection through advanced cancer screening methods.
• Patients undergoing cancer treatment who need to monitor their progress.

CTC Testing Process

1. Consultation : Review medical history and test details with a healthcare provider.
2. Blood Draw : A simple blood sample is collected.
3. Lab Analysis : Samples are processed in ISO-certified labs using advanced flow cytometry.
4.  CTC Test Report : A detailed CTC Test report is generated, highlighting the presence and quantity of circulating tumor cells.
5. Results Interpretation : Your doctor will explain the CTC Test results and recommend appropriate next steps, such as further testing or treatment adjustments.

CTC Test Price and Accessibility

• CTC Test Price: The cost typically ranges from 10,000to 20,000 HKD, depending on the provider and location.
  
• CTC Test Registration: Many hospitals and specialized clinics offer CTC Test services. You can easily register online or by contacting a healthcare provider

• CTC Test  Near Me: To find a CTC Test  facility near you, search for “CTC Test  near me” or consult your local cancer center.

The Importance of Early Cancer Detection

Early Cancer Detection is critical for improving survival rates and reducing treatment complexity. Studies show that catching cancer early significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. For example:

• Early Detection of Cancer Statistics: Patients diagnosed at an early stage have a 5-year survival rate of over 90% for many cancers.
• Does Early Detection of Cancer Save Lives?: Yes, early detection can lead to less aggressive treatments and better quality of life.

Future Prospects

The CTC Test  is poised to revolutionize cancer care by integrating with AI and other advanced technologies. This will enhance its accuracy and expand its applications in Early Cancer Detection and personalized treatment.

Conclusion

The CTC Test  is a groundbreaking tool for Early Cancer Detection, offering high accuracy, non-invasive testing, and personalized insights. Whether you’re at risk for cancer or currently undergoing treatment, the  CTC Test can provide valuable information to guide your healthcare decisions.

Contact us to learn more about CTC testing services.

References:

• • Hospital Authority Hong Kong Cancer Registry (2022 data).
  • Papasotiriou et al. (2015). Journal of Cancer Therapy. 
  • Cristofanilli, M., Budd, G. T., Ellis, M. J., et al. (2004). Circulating tumor cells, disease progression, and survival in metastatic breast cancer. The New England Journal of Medicine, 351(8), 781-791. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa041993
  • Nagrath, S., Sequist, L. V., Maheswaran, S., et al. (2007). Isolation of rare circulating tumour cells in cancer patients by microchip technology. Nature, 450(7173), 1235-1239. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature06385
  • Pantel, K., & Alix-Panabières, C. (2010). Circulating tumor cells in cancer patients: Challenges and perspectives. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 16(9), 478-485. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2010.07.001
  • Alix-Panabières, C., & Pantel, K. (2016).Clinical Applications of Circulating Tumor Cells and Circulating Tumor DNA as Liquid Biopsy.Cancer Discovery  
  • World Health Organization (WHO).Cancer: Early Diagnosis and Screening.https://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/en/

*Disclaimer:  The content of this article is provided solely for general informational, educational, and reference purposes and is not intended for medical diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical doctor or healthcare provider for any health-related concerns, individualized diagnosis, or treatment plans. 

What is testosterone and how important is it?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced in men’s testes throughout their life from puberty onwards. However, it starts to decline with aging, about 1-2% per year, from the age of 30 onwards. This process can be sped up through poor lifestyle habits, like too much alcohol, poor sleep, little exercise, too much stress and a poor diet.

Testosterone is responsible for regulating not just the sex drive (libido), but also bone mass, body fat and muscle mass as well as the production of red blood cells. When testosterone levels fall below normal levels this can result in reduced muscle mass, low libido, irritability, depression, poor concentration, loss of body hair, fatigue, and an increased risk of brittle bones.

It’s important to remember that libido is not just driven by hormones. If your lifestyle habits are out of balance, like doing too much or too little exercise, drinking too much alcohol or having psychological issues like depression / anxiety, they can all influence your libido too. So finding the root cause is important, rather than just thinking it’s a testosterone deficiency.

Why you should check Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)

All hormones are carried around in the body by carrier proteins. Testosterone is carried through the body by SHBG predominantly and by albumin.₁ SHBG binds more to testosterone than to the estrogens.₂ The main role of SHBG is to control the availability of sex hormones to cells and to transport them through the body. In order to determine how much testosterone is getting into the cells, aka the ‘free testosterone’ we need to know your SHBG and your total testosterone levels and calculate the difference. Laboratories now do this calculation on your behalf to gauge the free testosterone. Measuring the free testosterone levels is a more accurate measure of testosterone status than the total testosterone._{3, 4}

The normal range for SHBG is 10-57mmol/L. An all too common situation as men get older is that is the SHBG begins to rise to high levels thereby block the availability of free testosterone to cells. The symptoms of high SHBG are similar to those of low testosterone as indicated previously.₅

Therefore, we need to identify what causes high SHBG, in order to reduce it. For men it could be related to high thyroid levels (hyperthyroidism),₆ or low growth hormone₇. Other issues could be related to the liver, as SHBG is produced in the liver if one has diseases of the liver like NAFLD, hepatitis infections or cirrhosis, then SHBG can be high_8,9.

Lifestyle factors can also play a role like drinking too much alcohol_10, smoking_11, and too much stress₁₂. This stress can also come from over exertion as in too much training.

Long term implications of too much SHBG

There are potential long-term disease risks with too much SHBG. It is linked to bone loss and reduced bone density in a number of studies_13,14. Also there’s an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease₁₅ and prostate cancer₁₆

What can be done to reduce it?

There are some dietary changes which can help. High protein diets are associated with reduced SHBG_17. How much protein? As long as you’re getting your baseline 1.2 g/kg of bodyweight protein you should be fine, some people may need more based upon their training regimes. A liver function test can help determine your total protein levels as a first line blood check.

Getting the body fat levels down to healthy levels also helps to reduce SHBG.₁₈ For women that’s below 22% body fat and for men that’s below 20%.

Additionally, some supplemental minerals and vitamins can lower SHBG. Boron tops the list with researchers recommending an intake of up to 10mg / day lowering SHBG_19. The best forms of boron are Boron Glycinate or citrate. Boron is especially powerful in lowering your SHBG and if your total testosterone is already high, you’re naturally going to have higher than normal SHBG, so it would be safer to start on a lower dosage of 3mg or 6mg/day of boron then follow up with a ‘free’ testosterone test 2-4 weeks later and see where your levels are at. Having your free testosterone levels between 2-4% is ideal.

Vitamin D3 lowers the SHBG and raises testosterone and optimal levels to aim for are around 50ng/dL. There is an additional synergy between boron and Vitamin D3 in that boron extends the half life of vitamin D3 in the blood, providing even more time for vitamin D3 to exert its long ranging effects. Fish oil also reduced SHBG₂₀ and the safest way to get your omegas is with eating the fish. Having 4 portions a week of either sardine, mackerel, wild salmon, herring or anchovy should be sufficient. The tinned versions have comparable if not more levels of omega-3’s.

So depending on your circumstances, you may need to look at your lifestyle, your diet and your training regime in helping you lower your SHBG and working with a functional medicine specialist will help you find your sweet spot to feel great!

For more information regarding men’s hormones and sexual health, please contact us.

Written by Miles Price

References:

1. Anderson DC. Sex-hormone-binding globulin. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1974;3(1):69‐96.
2. Dunn JF, Nisula BC, Rodbard D. Transport of steroid hormones: binding of 21 endogenous steroids to both testosterone-binding globulin and corticosteroid-binding globulin in human plasma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1981;53(1):58‐68.
3. Vermeulen A, Verdonck L, Kaufman JM. A critical evaluation of simple methods for the estimation of free testosterone in serum. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1999;84(10):3666‐3672
4. Winters SJ, Kelley DE, Goodpaster B. The analog free testosterone assay: are the results in men clinically useful? [published correction appears in Clin Chem 1999 Mar;45(3):444]. Clin Chem. 1998;44(10):2178‐2182.
5. Ring J, Welliver C, Parenteau M, Markwell S, Brannigan RE, Köhler TS. The Utility of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin in Hypogonadism and Infertile Males. J Urol. 2017;197(5):1326‐1331.
6. Vierhapper H, Bieglmayer C, Nowotny P, Waldhäusl W. Normal serum concentrations of sex hormone binding-globulin in patients with hyperthyroidism due to subacute thyroiditis. Thyroid. 1998;8(12):1107‐1111.
7. Menezes M, Salvatori R, Melo LD, et al. Prolactin and sex steroids levels in congenital lifetime isolated GH deficiency. Endocrine. 2013;44(1):207‐211.
8. Forbes A, Alexander GJ, Smith HM, Williams R. Elevation of serum sex hormone-binding globulin in females with fulminant hepatitis B virus infection. J Med Virol. 1988;26(1):93‐98. doi:10.1002/jmv.1890260113
9. Maruyama Y, Adachi Y, Aoki N, Suzuki Y, Shinohara H, Yamamoto T. Mechanism of feminization in male patients with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis: role of sex hormone-binding globulin. Gastroenterol Jpn. 1991;26(4):435‐439.
10. Hirko KA, Spiegelman D, Willett WC, Hankinson SE, Eliassen AH. Alcohol consumption in relation to plasma sex hormones, prolactin, and sex hormone-binding globulin in premenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2014;23(12):2943‐
11. English KM, Pugh PJ, Parry H, Scutt NE, Channer KS, Jones TH. Effect of cigarette smoking on levels of bioavailable testosterone in healthy men. Clin Sci (Lond). 2001;100(6):661‐665.
12. Lennartsson AK, Kushnir MM, Bergquist J, Billig H, Jonsdottir IH. Sex steroid levels temporarily increase in response to acute psychosocial stress in healthy men and women. Int J Psychophysiol. 2012;84(3):246‐253.
13. Legrand E, Hedde C, Gallois Y, et al. Osteoporosis in men: a potential role for the sex hormone binding globulin. Bone. 2001;29(1):90‐95.
14. Slemenda CW, Longcope C, Zhou L, Hui SL, Peacock M, Johnston CC. Sex steroids and bone mass in older men. Positive associations with serum estrogens and negative associations with androgens. J Clin Invest. 1997;100(7):1755‐
15. Xu J, Xia LL, Song N, Chen SD, Wang G. Testosterone, Estradiol, and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis. Curr Alzheimer Res. 2016;13(3):215‐222
16. García-Cruz E, Carrión Puig A, García-Larrosa A, et al. Higher sex hormone-binding globulin and lower bioavailable testosterone are related to prostate cancer detection on prostate biopsy. Scand J Urol. 2013;47(4):282‐289.
17. Longcope C, Feldman HA, McKinlay JB, Araujo AB. Diet and sex hormone-binding globulin. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000;85(1):293‐296.
18. Hautanen A. Synthesis and regulation of sex hormone-binding globulin in obesity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2000;24 Suppl 2:S64‐S70.
19. Naghii MR, Mofid M, Asgari AR, Hedayati M, Daneshpour MS. Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011;25(1):54‐58.
20. Nagata C, Takatsuka N, Kawakami N, Shimizu H. Relationships between types of fat consumed and serum estrogen and androgen concentrations in Japanese men. Nutr Cancer. 2000;38(2):163‐167.

Written by Miles Price

To all the mothers out there – we love you! Being a mom is never easy, but there’s no more important job in the world. In recognition of all the support you give, it’s time to take care of yourself (and/or your mother!). Here’s how to save your skin in a pinch! In this article, we dive into the effective way for healthy and glowing skin.

IV Drips

IV drips are beneficial in many ways. It provides a faster way of delivering vital nutrients to the body.  Vitamin deficiencies are a common phenomenon that can be affected by day to day life, and the stresses imposed on the body.  Deficiencies can also cause dull skin, hair fallout, brittle nails, etc. External topical nutrients like creams, serums and soaps, among other products only provide temporary relief and don’t compensate for internal deficiencies. Furthermore, many oral vitamins and supplements have can have a low absorption rate while some can be harsh to your digestive system. An IV drip, on the contrary, provides better absorption of these nutrients so you can ‘glow from the inside out’.

The appeal of using IV drips and infusions for beauty is the quickness of delivery into the body and the results are almost immediate, unlike most procedures. Within 24 hours, one can see a visible difference in the skin’s quality and texture. The skin will be more hydrated and have the right nutrients to detoxify and rebuild.  Other procedures are methodical like fillers and botox that can cause side effects and require post-care procedures. IV drips, on the other hand, is totally safe without much post care needed other than your regular skincare regime.  Many actors and actresses use this method to prepare their skin before events and brides have found a fondness for this procedure to get glowing skin for their big day.

Potential Benefits of IV Treatment for Our Skin:

• Helps to improve skin hyper-pigmentation
• Helps to repair and nourish your skin
• Helps skin to be smoother and clearer
• Helps to give your skin a radiant glow
• Helps to make pores smaller
• Helps to prevent acne and heal marks
• Helps to defy the aging process

Key Nutrients

Diet is always the foundation for health. But getting an extra dose of certain key nutrients helps optimize your skin’s health and appearance.

• Collagen

Collagen is the answer to maintaining tight and firm skin, especially important when we reach the age of 40s-50s with declining hormones causing the skin to lose its elasticity and to sag. In addition, collagen helps maintain healthy joint function by maintaining the integrity of your cartilage, which protects your joints. It is also an important nutrient for maintaining good bone density as bones are made up of collagen.

• Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant produced in cells. It’s comprised largely of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. Glutathione is depleted when the liver has lots of oxidative stress from poor diet and nutrition or alcohol drinking which can lead to problems like fatty liver disease. The concentration of glutathione will also decline with age. Improving glutathione levels helps our body fight against oxidative stress and enhances our liver’s ability to detoxify toxins from our environment.

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and can help prevent UV-induced skin damage. It is also essential in producing collagen. Deficiency can result in rough, dry skin and abnormal hair growth as well as poor wound healing and wrinkles.

A study of 56 patients taking vitamin A, C, E and procyanidins over 8 weeks proved the safety and effectiveness of this combined supplement for uneven and mottled skin pigmentation.

So why not give it a try this Mother’s Day as part of your self-care ritual.  Or give the gift of ‘glow’ to your matriarch as a thankful gesture for being the best mum in the entire world.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, more and more people are beginning to experience its long-term symptoms. While there is no cure for COVID-19, there are a number of treatments that can help lessen the severity of its effects. In this article, we will discuss some of the common symptoms that people suffer from after contracting COVID, and share the most effective functional approaches to treating long-term COVID symptoms. By following these recommendations, you can improve your overall quality of life during this difficult time.

While the symptoms of COVID-19 are well known, there is less information available on the long-term effects of the virus. However, a growing number of people are reporting a wide range of symptoms that can linger for weeks and even months after infection. These so-called “long COVID” symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, and memory loss. In some cases, people have also reported problems with their heart, lungs, and kidneys. While the exact mechanisms of these long-term effects are still unknown, it is clear that they can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. As more information becomes available, it is hoped that researchers will be able to better understand the long-term effects of COVID. Some of the more common symptoms that persist after COVID infection are:

• Extreme fatigue
• Brain fog (1)
• Memory loss (2)
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Change in taste and sense of smell
• Joint pains
• Hormonal changes, irregular periods

Functional approach to managing long-term COVID symptoms

While the long-term effects of COVID-19 are still being studied, many people are struggling with chronic fatigue, brain fog, and other symptoms that can last for months after contracting the virus. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for long COVID symptoms, there are some functional treatments that can help:

• Immune-boosting supplements like vitamin C and zinc can help to support a healthy immune system
• NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) can improve energy levels and mental clarity(3)
• Antioxidants can help reduce the inflammation associated with COVID infection
• Lifestyle support including regular exercise, ample sleep, and stress reduction strategies like meditation

While there is no cure for long-term COVID symptoms, there are treatments that can support your body in clearing lingering infection, modulating immune-related inflammation, and getting your health back to optimal levels. You may want to speak to our functional practitioners to find out what personalized treatments may be helpful for your specific symptoms.

References:

1. Douaud, G., Lee, S., Alfaro-Almagro, F. et al. SARS-CoV-2 is associated with changes in brain structure in UK Biobank. Nature (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04569-5
2. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/media-resources/science-in-5/episode-47—post-COVID-19-condition?gclid=CjwKCAjw6dmSBhBkEiwA_W-EoGtvVNwNCeyyUgbKEAgDunzLmULnMmbW7h3qPjV4Rx8Ba83945RoIBoC9kAQAvD_BwE
3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html

Disclaimer:

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The information is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in general or for any specific condition and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. No doctor-patient relationship is established as a result of the provision of this information and disclaims any obligation, responsibility or liability of whatever nature for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (whether direct, indirect or consequential) arising from or in respect of this content.

Dr See Yunn Ho 

Dr Ho See Yunn is a Physician with more than 15 years experience. She is board certified in both Singapore and Hong Kong and received her specialization in Family Medicine from Singapore. She also received her Advanced Fellowship in Functional and Nutritional Medicine and Peptide certification from the American Academy of Anti-Ageing and Regenerative Medicine. Dr Ho is trained and certified under Dr. Walsh’s advanced nutrient therapy protocols that use personalized nutrient treatment strategies to treat patients with behavior disorders, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

With the Easter long weekend happening, many of us are considering how we can use the extra time for some self-care, especially if we’ve been feeling less than 100%!

When you’re unwell, your body needs your help to get back on track. Every type of virus works a little differently, but if you’re recovering from a viral infection, your antioxidants are being used up fast! If you’re not repleting those stores, you’re likely to feel worse, be sick for longer, and be at risk for more serious or chronic symptoms.

We dive into the role of antioxidants in illness recovery and look at some of the latest COVID-19 research as we discuss infection response.

The Role of Antioxidants

When our cells are fighting a foreign invader, like a virus, they produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are like little grenades thrown at viral cells to induce cell death. They are very helpful in pathogen elimination, although, as you might guess, they can also result in a lot of friendly fire to our own cells.¹ One function of antioxidants is they work to protect our cells by neutralizing damage by free radicals like ROS.²

Antioxidants aren’t only for protection; they are fighters too. Antioxidants like glutathione (and its precursor NAC) exhibit antiviral effects to hinder viral replication. A review on COVID-19 remarked, “Notably, only the patient with severe illness and a marked glutathione decrease is still severely sick, whereas the other patients with high/moderate levels of GSH have recovered.”³ It has been suggested that the natural decline of antioxidant levels as we age, could be a key factor in the severity of COVID-19 in elderly patients.⁴

In the short term, antioxidants prevent damage to stop us from feeling so bad when we’re sick. This is in part because a lot of symptoms of illness like pain, swelling, fever, runny nose etc. are attributed more to the body’s defences to the effects of the virus itself. Conversely, in the long term, protection against ROS has been linked to protection against various chronic and degenerative diseases such as cancer, respiratory, neurodegenerative, and digestive diseases.²

Sources of Antioxidants

Antioxidants can be made internally, or they can be supplied externally. Here are 3 routes to boost your antioxidant levels:

1. Eat a balanced diet with healthy fats and colourful fruits and vegetables to boost your intake of antioxidant vitamins C and E, as well as potent plant compounds called polyphenols.² A high-quality diet characterized by healthy plant-based foods was associated with lower risk and severity of COVID-19.⁵
2. Supplement your diet with oral antioxidants, especially if you aren’t eating as often or as healthily. For example, high doses of vitamin D supplementation (100,000IU) can strengthen respiratory function in ill patients,² while 525 mg of oral curcumin with 2.5mg of piperine (a.k.a. turmeric plus black pepper) helped COVID-19 patients maintain oxygen saturation above 94%!⁶
3. Antioxidants can be administered intravenously to help patients recover faster. For example, the antioxidant properties of IV Vitamin C are used in respiratory infections to combat the cytokine storm, a status of life-threatening systemic inflammation.⁷ The cytokine storm is a serious concern for COVID-19 patients, which is part of the reason why there are on-going trials are taking place to evaluate the role of high-dose IV vitamin C in COVID-19 treatment.⁸

Antioxidant Stars

Antioxidant function is so versatile and wide-spread that there are a long list of strong antioxidant compounds: vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals (like polyphenols and carotenoids), even hormones like melatonin! We’ve rounded up some of the top antioxidants and how to incorporate them into your routine:

• Glutathione^9-10

As our body’s master antioxidant, glutathione is an essential player during recovery from respiratory illnesses. While we have the machinery to make our own glutathione, glutathione depletion is very common when you’re sick and keeping levels high is crucial to reducing viral replication. COVID-19 patients that had glutathione depletion exhibited worse disease outcomes than those with normal levels. Incorporating weekly IV glutathione can help replenish lost glutathione as well as help eliminate lingering virus activity and symptoms.

• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)¹¹

NAC, a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, is the precursor to glutathione and is another great way of boosting antioxidant function to combat viral infection. As stated in this 2020 scientific review, “NAC is inexpensive, has very low toxicity, has been FDA approved for many years, and has the potential to improve therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.” NAC can be safely administered intravenously, orally, or inhaled.

• High-Dose Vitamin C ^7,8,12

If you want to avoid serious vitamin C deficiency like scurvy, most adults should aim for 75-90 mg per day. However, if you want to reduce ROS-induced inflammation, protect lung tissue from damage, and reduce the risk of widespread infection, higher doses are needed. For high dose vitamin C, intravenous methods are preferred because your gut system can’t absorb therapeutic levels. High doses of intravenous Vitamin C is being used in certain countries as part of the treatment protocol for hospitalized COVID-19 patients and on-going trials are taking place to evaluate the role of high-dose IV vitamin C in COVID-19 treatment.

We hope this article opened your eyes to the incredible healing powers of antioxidants – both to protect yourself from damage, and to kill off viral invaders. Take advantage of the long weekend to help your body recover from lingering illnesses.

Contact us to talk to our team about optimizing your recovery to reach your health potential.

References

1. Martinvalet, Denis & Michael, Walch. (2022). Editorial: The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Protective Immunity. Frontiers in Immunology. 12. 10.3389/fimmu.2021.832946.
2. Liu Z, Ren Z, Zhang J, et al. Role of ROS and Nutritional Antioxidants in Human Diseases. Front Physiol. 2018;9:477. Published 2018 May 17. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00477
3. Polonikov A. Endogenous Deficiency of Glutathione as the Most Likely Cause of Serious Manifestations and Death in COVID-19 Patients. ACS Infect Dis. 2020;6(7):1558-1562. doi:10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00288
4. Golubev A. G. (2020). COVID-19: A Challenge to Physiology of Aging. Frontiers in physiology, 11, 584248. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.584248
5. Merino J, Joshi AD, Nguyen LH, et al. Diet quality and risk and severity of COVID-19: a prospective cohort study. Gut 2021;70:2096-2104.
6. Kirti S Pawar, Rahul N Mastud and Satheesh K Pawar et al. Oral Curcumin With Piperine as Adjuvant Therapy for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Front Pharmacol.  12. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.669362
7. Boretti A, Banik BK. Intravenous vitamin C for reduction of cytokines storm in acute respiratory distress syndrome. PharmaNutrition. 2020;12:100190. doi:10.1016/j.phanu.2020.100190
8. gov. Vitamin C Infusion for the Treatment of Severe 2019-nCoV Infected Pneumonia. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04264533.
9. Ghezzi P. Role of glutathione in immunity and inflammation in the lung. Int J Gen Med. 2011;4:105-113. Published 2011 Jan 25. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S15618
10. Premranjan Kumar, Ob Osahon, David B. Vides, Nicola Hanania, Charles G. Minard, Rajagopal V. Sekhar. Severe Glutathione Deficiency, Oxidative Stress and Oxidant Damage in Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19: Implications for GlyNAC (Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine) Supplementation.Antioxidants, 2021; 11 (1): 50 DOI: 3390/antiox11010050
11. Shi Z, Puyo CA. N-Acetylcysteine to Combat COVID-19: An Evidence Review. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2020;16:1047-1055. Published 2020 Nov 2. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S273700
12. Maxfield L, Crane JS. Vitamin C Deficiency. [Updated 2021 Jul 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Learn more about COVID-19 in Hong Kong.