Has the Corona virus moved to target other organs of the body?

The high incidence of coronavirus detected in wastewater has prompted some scientists to explore whether the virus targets the intestines of humans.

Covid usually infects people through the nose and mouth, reproduces in the respiratory system, and sometimes migrates to the lungs.

But some virologists believe that the Covid virus has changed its ways of entering cells, which means it can infect the intestines more easily.

Scientists around the world, including the United States, are monitoring traces of the “Covid” virus at a significant rate in wastewater.

“It is possible that the concentration of the newly dominant JN.1 variant of Covid is greater in the gut,” said Mark Johnson, a molecular virologist and professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Missouri, but he explained that there is no direct evidence for the theory yet.

He added that many other coronaviruses infect the gastrointestinal tract, so it would not be surprising.

The JN.1 strain now represents about 29% of coronavirus cases, a sharp rise from less than one percent at the beginning of November.

This variant is considered more contagious and more able to evade the immune system, compared to other variants. But there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease than other circulating variants.

Australian virologist Stuart Turvill believes that JN.1 takes a new route into cells and prefers intestinal cells.

JN.1 shows a greater preference for the version of the cell surface protein ACE-2, which may lead to inflammation in various tissues, such as in the gastrointestinal tract.

"Dr. Turvill has an observation that the newer strains favor a slightly different version of the receptor more common in the gastrointestinal tract, which may be supporting evidence," Johnson said.

He added, "But the most likely explanation is that we are seeing compound waves at the moment."

The latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that almost every state has reported “high” levels of coronavirus in wastewater.

There has also been a steady increase in virus activity in wastewater over the past six months.

Meanwhile, coronavirus detection rates in wastewater have increased in countries such as Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Singapore.

Scientists explained that any individual infected with the virus will shed small parts of his DNA through his stool.

Is bovine colostrum a superfood supplement?

In the midst of the scramble that the world has witnessed, in search of the best drugs and supplements to strengthen immunity and enhance health, in the face of the attack of the Corona pandemic, “bovine colostrum” has gained fame in helping to raise the level of human immune health, due to its remarkable richness in antibodies, vitamins and other minerals.

It has spread widely, whether in its natural state as liquid cow's milk, or in the form of powder and pills as nutritional supplements, which are promoted among adults to improve immunity, soothe digestive disorders, reduce inflammation and facilitate muscle recovery in professional athletes, according to the "Fortune" website.

This is within a global market for immune health supplements, which in 2020 amounted to more than $55 billion, and is expected to grow by 11% on an annual basis until 2028, according to the report issued by Grand View Research.

Compounds in bovine colostrum may help prevent diarrhea associated with bacterial and viral infections (PCLS).

Supplements are just a supplement

A 2022 Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) survey on dietary supplements revealed that 75% of Americans use dietary supplements, most of them on a regular basis.

But it is important to remember that following a healthy diet is the primary way to provide the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants we need, and nutritional supplements are “just a supplementary tool, to give the body the necessary support when we lack certain nutrients,” says Dr. Kara Bernstein, a nutritionist. She is a certified American expert in diabetes care, stressing that “dietary supplements will never give you what real food does. They can simply help you, but they will not be a substitute for food.”

She explained, "It would be great if we were limited to eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, to obtain the food supplies we need."

Although this does not deny that there are times when nutritional supplements may become necessary, due to not obtaining optimal nutrition, or due to aging conditions. In this case, we must consult a doctor before starting to take any supplements, to ensure that they will not interact with medications we are taking, or expose us to other health problems.

Bovine colostrum is not a miracle supplement

Bovine colostrum supplements have become popular in recent years because they may boost immunity, fight infections, and improve gut health, according to Healthline.

Colostrum, or “colostrum,” is the first milk produced by mothers of humans , cows, and other mammals immediately after the birth of a new child and for a few days. It is thicker and yellower than usual milk, and is characterized by its rich content of nutrients, antibodies, and antioxidants to build the immune system, according to the Cleveland Clinic. ".

But Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, a family medicine specialist in Arizona, says that although human colostrum provides additional protection for the early immunity of human children on their way from the hospital to life, studies on the benefits of bovine colostrum remain limited, and although there are some good reasons to include it in our diet, According to recent research, it has shown some success in treating acute diarrhea and preventing seasonal respiratory infections.

In addition, it has benefits such as proteins, fats, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that help the body, but it is prohibited for those who are allergic to dairy products or lactose.

As for Keri Ganz, an author and certified nutritionist in New York, she explains that more research is needed to confirm the therapeutic capabilities of colostrum, but the good news is that researchers have found no harm from consuming it.

3 potential benefits of taking colostrum and its supplements

Research suggests that bovine colostrum may strengthen the immune system, promote gut health, and fight infections that cause diarrhea.

Intestinal health:  Studies show that bovine colostrum may strengthen the intestines and reduce inflammation of the digestive system, by stimulating the growth of intestinal cells and strengthening the intestinal wall to prevent the leakage of molecules from it to the rest of the body. Polish researchers who conducted a study in 2017 found that zonulin levels (a protein that negatively affects the vitality and integrity of the intestinal barrier of the small intestine) decreased in athletes who took bovine colostrum supplements for 3 weeks.

In an interview published in the journal “Integrative Medicine: Physicians’ Journal” in 2020, Dr. Michael Roizen, chief health officer at Cleveland Clinic, stated that one of the promising properties of colostrum is its ability to stabilize and strengthen the intestinal barrier, to act as a buffer wall to protect the body from Disease and infection through the intestines, and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal microbiome.

Preventing and treating diarrhea:  According to research, compounds found in bovine colostrum, especially the group of antibodies and lactoferrin protein, may help prevent diarrhea associated with bacterial and viral infections.

Digestive problems specialist, Lauren Houser, says, "She advises her patients to incorporate cow colostrum into their nutrition regularly, to address intestinal health, as it has many potential benefits and minimal negative aspects."

Explaining that “a person with severe diarrhea or who is dealing with the beginnings of an autoimmune disease, such as celiac disease, for example, can benefit from the effects of colostrum on the intestines.”

Strengthening the immune system:  A study published in 2009 indicated that bovine colostrum and its supplements may strengthen the immune system and help the body resist diseases, due to its “high concentration of antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria.”

Bracamonte also suggests consuming colostrum during the cold and flu season, to ward off the risk of upper respiratory infections, according to a study conducted in 2023, which showed that consuming it can reduce the number of days of illness and the severity of its symptoms, and warns that it is not necessary to consume it daily and continuously, but to prevent infection. Respiratory system and immune enhancement, it can be taken for a longer period, after talking to the doctor to determine it.

Side effects

Kerry Ganz warns that there is a small chance of side effects to consider, as bovine colostrum supplements can in rare cases cause nausea and diarrhea.

She stresses the fact that no supplement can outweigh the importance of eating whole foods, good sleep, and regular exercise.