Quercetin and Zinc: Dr Zelenko Prevention and Treatment Protocol
As of April 2024, more than 35 studies on the topic of zinc and COVID-19 (c19zinc.com) and more than 10 studies on quercetin and COVID-19 have been published (c19quercetin.com).
Quercetin is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory plant pigment that boosts your immune system and may work to control viral replication, according to some research. It allows zinc to exert its proven antiviral properties; in treating COVID-19, quercetin may also lower inflammation, help clear mucus, prevent ventilator-induced damage and support immunity.
According to the research, quercetin has been shown to help fight obesity, Type 2 diabetes, circulatory dysfunction, chronic inflammation and mood disorders. It has even been found to help lower blood pressure. Researchers have found that quercetin can trigger tumor regression and begin the process of apoptosis. This is programmed cell death, without which cells can grow uninterrupted and develop into cancerous growths.
Zinc and Quercetin
The Zelenko Covid-19 Protocols was developed by Dr Vladimir Zelenko. The protocol has as its centerpiece, but not exclusive piece, the combined use of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Zinc as a means by which a person can both help to prevent or mitigate the contraction of COVID-19, or can actually treat the disease once it has been diagnosed.
Quercetin acts as a zinc ionophore (PubMed 2014), the same mechanism of action that hydroxychloroquine has via helping zinc pass the cell wall where it might halt viral replication.
This zinc ionophore activity of quercetin facilitates the transport of zinc across the cell membrane. It is known that zinc will slow down the replication of coronavirus through inhibition of enzyme RNA polymerase (PubMed 2010).
The COVID-19 is a single stranded RNA (RiboNucleicAcid) virus and requires the RNA Dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) to replicate. Do take note that the study publication was a 2010 publication and is referring to a different coronavirus as compared to the latest coronavirus (COVID-19); though both are from the same family of coronaviruses.
A word about quercetin: Some physicians are recommending this supplement to reduce viral illnesses because quercetin acts as a zinc ionophore to improve zinc uptake into cells. It is much less potent than HCQ (hydroxychloroquine) as a zinc transporter, and it does not reach high concentrations in lung cells that HCQ does. Quercetin may help reduce risk of viral illness if you are basically healthy. But it is not potent enough to replace HCQ for treatment of COVID once you have symptoms, and it does not adequately get into lung tissue.
That said, if you simply cannot get hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin, quercetin is a viable stand-in. Quercetin works best when taken with vitamin C and Bromelain, as vitamin C helps activate it and bromelain helps with the absorption. In this study (PubMed), Bromelain also has anti-viral property against COVID-19 virus and anti-clotting property, and therefore may be useful against COVID-19.
Zelenko Covid-19 Prophylaxis Protocol
Prophylaxis is an action taken to prevent or protect against a specified disease. Greek in origin, from the word "phylax", meaning "to guard" and "watching."
Low Risk Patients
Young healthy people do not need prophylaxis against COVID-19. In young and healthy people, this infection causes mild cold-like symptoms. It is advantageous for these patients to be exposed to COVID-19, build up their antibodies and have their immune system clear the virus. This will facilitate the development of herd immunity and help prevent future Covid-19 pandemics. However, if these patients desire prophylaxis against COVID-19, then they should take the protocol noted below.
Moderate Risk Patients
Patients from this category are healthy but have high potential viral-load exposure. This group includes medical personnel, caregivers of high-risk patients, people who use public transportation, first responders and other essential personnel who are crucial to the continued functioning of society. These patients should be encouraged to take prophylaxis against Covid-19 in accordance with the protocol noted below.
High Risk Patients
Patients are considered high risk if they are over the age of 45, or if they are younger than 45 but they have comorbidities, that is, they have other health conditions that put them at risk. These patients have between a 5 to 10% mortality rate if they are infected with Covid-19. These patients should be strongly encouraged to take prophylaxis against Covid-19 in accordance with the protocol noted below.
Protocol for Low and Moderate Risk Patients:
Elemental Zinc 25mg 1 time a day (PubMed)
Vitamin D3 5000 iu 1 time a day (vdnmeta.com)
Vitamin C 250 - 500 mg 1 time a day (PubMed)
Vitamin D3 5000 iu 1 time a day (vdnmeta.com)
Vitamin C 250 - 500 mg 1 time a day (PubMed)
Quercetin 250 mg 1 time a day until a safe and efficacious vaccine becomes available (J. Agric. Food Chem. 2014)
If Quercetin is unavailable, then use Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) 200mg 1 time a day (J. Agric. Food Chem. 2014)
Protocol for High Risk Patients:
- Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) 200mg once a day for 5 days, then HCQ 200-400mg one time a week (ScienceDirect) (Find a Doctor)
- Vitamin D3 5000 IU/day or 50000 IU once a week
- Vitamin C 1000mg once a day
- Zinc 25-50mg/day
Zelenko vs FLCCC I-MASK+ protocol for prevention
In addition to what is recommended by the zelenko protocol, the FLCCC I-MASK+ prevention protocol includes mouthwash, melatonin and ivermectin as part of the prevention protocol. However, the I-MASK+ prevention protocol does not categorize the patients into low risk or high risk. For the zelenko protocol, hydroxychloroquine is only recommended for those in high risk category.
In addition to what is recommended by the zelenko protocol, the FLCCC I-MASK+ prevention protocol includes mouthwash, melatonin and ivermectin as part of the prevention protocol. However, the I-MASK+ prevention protocol does not categorize the patients into low risk or high risk. For the zelenko protocol, hydroxychloroquine is only recommended for those in high risk category.
Zelenko Protocol - Treatment Plan for Patients with COVID-19 symptoms
Fundamental Principles (Dr Zelenko Protocol When to Start)
Treat patients based on clinical suspicion as soon as possible, preferably within the first 5 days of symptoms. Perform PCR testing, but do not withhold treatment pending results.
Patient Categories
Low risk patient - Younger than 45, no co-morbidities, and clinically stableHigh risk patient - Older than 45, younger than 45 with co-morbidities, or clinically unstable
Treatment Options
Low risk patients - over the counter options:
1. Zinc (Elemental) 50 mg 1 time a day for 7 days (PubMed)
2.1. Quercetin 500 mg 2 times a day for 7 days (PubMed) OR
2.2. Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) 400 mg 1 time a day for 7 days (J. Agric. Food Chem. 2014)
4. Vitamin D3 5000 IU 1 time a day for 7 days
Related:
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) 200mg 2 times a day for 5-7 days (ScienceDirect) (Find a Doctor)
and/or
Ivermectin 0.4-0.5mg/kg/day for 5-7 days (ivmmeta.com) (Find a Doctor)
Either or both HCQ and IVM can be used, and if one only, the second agent may be added after about 2 days of treatment if obvious recovery has not yet been observed etc.
If HCQ is not available, Quercetin 500mg 3 times a day for 7 days OR EGCG 400mg 2 times a day for 7 days
1. Elemental Zinc 50 - 100 mg 1 time a day for 7 days
2. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) 200mg 2 times a day for 7 days (Find a Doctor)
3. Azithromycin 500mg 1 time a day for 5 days OR Doxycycline 100mg 2 times a day for 7 days
4. Vitamin C 1000 mg 1 time a day for 7 days
5. Vitamin D3 10,000 IU 1 time a day for 7 days
- Dexamethasone 6-12mg 1 time a day for 7 days OR Prednisone 20mg twice a day for 7 days, taper as needed.
- Budesonide 1mg/2cc solution via nebulizer twice a day for 7 days.
- Blood thinners (i.e. Aspirin, Lovenox, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa) (Amazon)
- Colchicine 0.6mg 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days.
- Monoclonal antibodies.
- Home IV fluids and oxygen.
Both protocols can be viewed from his website.
Zelenko vs FLCCC I-MASK+ protocol for treatment
In addition to what is recommended by the zelenko protocol, the FLCCC I-MASK+ treatment protocol includes mouthwash, melatonin and ivermectin and incorporates repurposed and newer agents like anti-androgens and fluvoxamine. The I-MASK+ treatment protocol also categorises the treatment agents into first line agents and second line agents for those who do not respond to first line agents and for those high risk patients with co-morbidities.
In addition to what is recommended by the zelenko protocol, the FLCCC I-MASK+ treatment protocol includes mouthwash, melatonin and ivermectin and incorporates repurposed and newer agents like anti-androgens and fluvoxamine. The I-MASK+ treatment protocol also categorises the treatment agents into first line agents and second line agents for those who do not respond to first line agents and for those high risk patients with co-morbidities.
Notes:
- Zinc is critical. It helps block the virus from multiplying. Hydroxychloroquine is the carrier taking zinc INTO the cells to do its job.
- Vitamin D3: Preferable in oil capsules for better absorption.
- Should quercetin be taken with zinc? Yes. Quercetin works best when taken with vitamin C and Bromelain, as vitamin C helps activate it and bromelain helps with the absorption. Vitamin C does not affect the absorption of normal dietary levels of zinc (Ref). Further, quercetin helps the transport of zinc across the cell membrane as a zinc ionophore.
- Although ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are relatively safe drugs, they are still synthetic chemicals that can have side effects. Vitamin D, C, Zinc and Quercetin are nutrients that your body require for optimal health. Nutrients are safer alternatives especially if your risk is low e.g. age below 50 and no other chronic illness. Discuss with your doctor on the benefit vs risk for each treatment.
- Quercetin has one moderate drug interaction with warfarin. Do not take quercetin without medical advice if you are using warfarin.
Z-Stack Supplement
In an effort to make it easier for patients, Dr Zelenko has developed an oral supplement that contains all four key ingredients: vitamin C, quercetin, vitamin D3 and zinc. It’s referred to as 'Z-Stack Supplement'.
Z-Stack Vitamin cocktail provides key ingredients needed in order to help your body fight off this deadly invader. The Z-Stack Vitamins are Kosher certified, GMP certified and made in the USA.
The cost of the Z-STACK vitamin cocktail is $55 per bottle for a one month supply.
Where to buy Z-Stack: Z-stack is available on Dr Zelenko's website. Here is the link: Z Stack Supplement
Note: To get 5% OFF, please use this coupon code: drfrancis
About Dr Vladimir Zelenko
He graduated with a B.A. degree with high honors in Chemistry from Hofstra University. After receiving an academic scholarship to attend S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo School of Medicine, he earned his M.D. degree in May 2000. Dr. Zelenko completed his family medicine residency at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside, N.Y. in May 2004. Since then, Dr. Zelenko has practiced family medicine in New York’s Hudson Valley. He has been described by his patients as like a family member to thousands of families, and is a medical adviser to the volunteer ambulance corps in Kiryas Joel, New York.When asked about studies that seemed to discredit the efficacy of HCQ in treating the coronavirus, Zelenko explained “You don’t fire a gun without a bullet in it and then say the gun doesn’t work when you don’t kill the target. The studies that were done on HCQ did not include the use of Zinc. HCQ is what opens the cell and enables Zinc to attack the virus. One is not effective without the other, or without a suitable substitute for HCQ. The studies were designed to fail.”
Dr. Zelenko says that both prophylaxis measures and actual case treatments need to be customized to the individual. As a general rule, he says, those people who are in the higher risk groups, both by age and by other pre-existing conditions, require more aggressive actions on both the preventative and diagnostic side.
“This virus remains relatively stable inside the host for about the first five days,” Zelenko said. “After that it starts to multiply rapidly. It also starts to migrate from sinus to lungs and cardio areas where involvement becomes more severe and treatment becomes more difficult. The key is early intervention.” Zelenko again mentioned his 84% success rate in high-risk patients.
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