Plain language summary
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Vitamins and their supplements have a positive impact on normal functioning of the immune system subjected to infection. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Nutrition Bio-shield Superfood (NBS) [an organic, healthy and viable herbal supplement that was prepared from wheat] on disease severity and laboratory biomarkers in patients with COVID-19. This study is a randomised, comparative, parallel two-arm and single-blind clinical trial. Participants (n=70) were randomly assigned (1:1) to one of the two groups: intervention or control. Participants in the intervention group received daily 1.5 gr three times daily of NBS superfood for 14 days. In contrast, those in the control group received a placebo three times a day for 14 days. Results show that the use of NBS superfood has various beneficial effects on COVID-19 disease severity. In fact, there was a decrease in several laboratory parameters (namely C-reactive protein erythrocyte sedimentation rate, D-Dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, body temperature, interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor-α) and an increase in lymphocyte percentage and blood oxygen level. Moreover, there was a reduction in mortality rate and significantly decreased the duration of hospitalisation in COVID-19 patients. Authors conclude that NBS superfood can be used as an effective natural supplement in the treatment process of COVID-19 disease and may improve and moderate the severity of disease in COVID-19 patients.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrition Bio-shield Superfood (NBS) is an organic and viable herbal supplement that could improve the function of the immune system. The present study aims to determine the effect of NBS on disease severity and laboratory biomarkers in patients with COVID-19. METHODS This current study was a randomized, comparative, parallel two-arm and single-blind clinical trial study performed in Tehran, Iran. In total, 70 patients with COVID-19 were included in the present study and assigned to two groups including 1) intervention group (n = 35) and 2) control group (n = 35). All patients included in the intervention group received 4.5 gr daily rate of NBS superfood, three times the daily rate of 1.5 gr for 14 days. In contrast, patients included in the control group received a placebo three times a day for 14 days. The measurement of laboratory parameters including CRP, ESR, D-Dimer, LDH, CPK, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, FBG, WBC count, PLT, and lymphocyte count was performed using standard kits and methods. Moreover, all serum samples were tested to determine the levels of IL-6 and TNF-ɑ using specific commercially available ELISA kits according to the instructions of the manufacturer. RESULTS A significant decrease in the mean serum level of several variables including CRP (p < 0.001), ESR (p < 0.001), D- Dimer (p = 0.001), LDH (p < 0.001), SGOT (p = 0.002), SGPT (p = 0.019), ALP (p < 0.001), WBC count (p < 0.001), body temperature (p = 0.013), IL-6 (p < 0.001), and TNF-α (p < 0.001) was seen 14 days after intervention from baseline in the intervention group than control group. In contrast, in the intervention group, the significant increase from baseline of lymphocyte percentage (p < 0.001) and oxygen saturation (p < 0.001) was seen 14 days after receiving NBS superfood than the control group. CONCLUSION Results showed that the use of NBS superfood had various beneficial effects on COVID-19 disease severity. These results suggest that NBS superfood can be used as an effective natural supplement in the treatment process of COVID-19 disease.
Methodological quality
Jadad score
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3
Allocation concealment
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Yes
