Synergistic Effect of Quercetin and Vitamin C Against COVID-19: Is a Possible Guard for Front Liners

Abstract: 1 Synergistic Effect of Quercetin and Vitamin C Against COVID-19: Is A Possible Guard for Front liners? Bengu Arslan1, Nurcan Ucuncu Ergun1, Seyma Topuz1, Seda Yilmaz Semerci2, Nurettin Suner3, Ali Kocatas4, Hasan Onal1 1Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism Clinics, Istanbul, Turkey 2Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Department of Neonatology, Istanbul, Turkey 3Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Department of General Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey 4Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Departmento f General Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey Bengu Arslan, Postdoctorate Fellow of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul/TURKEY Nurcan Ucuncu Ergun, Postdoctorate Fellow of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul/TURKEY Seyma Topuz, Nutritionist, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, Istanbul/TURKEY Seda Yılmaz Semerci, Neonatalogist, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Division of Neonatology, Istanbul/TURKEY Nurettin Suner, Medical Doctor, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Division of General Medicine, Istanbul/TURKEY This preprint research paper has not been peer reviewed. Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3682517 2 Ali Kocatas, Professor of General Surgery, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Department of General Surgery, Administrator/Director of Hospital, Istanbul/TURKEY Hasan Onal, Professor of Pediatrics, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Chief of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism Department, Istanbul/TURKEY Running title: Quercetin and Vitamin C Supplement Against COVID-19 *Corresponding author: Hasan Onal, MD Word Count: 1835 Number of Figures: 2 Number of Tables: 3 Turgut Özal Bulvarı No: 1, 34303 Ataşehir Küçükçekmece, İstanbul / TURKEY Tel: +90 532 509 29 88; Fax: 0 212 571 47 90 E-mail: hasanonal@hotmail.com ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9676-7086 This preprint research paper has not been peer reviewed. Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3682517 3 Summary Background While waiting for vaccine, hygiene measures, social distance and personal protective equipment are the only basic protection against Novel Coronavirus. However, these are not sufficient to protect healthcare workers.This study aimed to evaluate if quercetin and vitamin C could be protective against Novel Coronavirus. Methods In prophylaxis group supplementation containing 500mg of quercetin, 500mg of vitamin C and 50mg of bromelain (QCB) was initiated daily in 2 divided doses for 71 healthcare workers working in areas with high risk of COVID-19, whereas 42 were determined as control group without using supplements.A maximum period of follow-up was determined as 120 days.Termination of use of QCB earlier or having a Coronavirus infection was considered as final point.At the end rapid diagnostic test used to detect immunoglobulin positivity. Results A total of 113 persons included. No significant difference detected between groups in terms of other features.Mean age of..