Get to know 5-ALA, a nutrient that Japanese people believe can prevent COVID-19

Although there is a vaccine, but many parties are interested in the invention of research. To find alternatives to prevent and inhibit the infection of the COVID-19 virus, 5-ALA is another substance that has the potential to help prevent infection from the COVID-19 virus. Let's know 5-ALA and its benefits. of each other

Get to know 5-ALA
5-aminolevulinic acid (5-Aminolevulinic acid) or 5-ALA is a natural amino acid that the human body and animals, including plants, can create by themselves. In humans, this amino acid is converted to heme in the body by binding to iron. and binds to globin proteins until the formation of hemoglobin, which is an important protein in red blood cells Hemoglobin helps transport oxygen to generate energy throughout the body. Therefore, that amino acid is called a source of energy.

Benefits of 5-ALA
Currently, 5-ALA is used as a component of medicines for the treatment of many diseases, including malaria, diabetes, and depression, among others.

Help prevent infection with the COVID-19 virus.
From a joint research between Nagasaki University and the pharmaceutical company Neopharma Japan that was done in vitro by adding various concentrations of 5-ALA. into the cell culture It was found that a certain concentration of 5-ALA had an inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus infection. in both human and animal cell cultures. In addition, this substance has no cytotoxicity whatsoever. Currently, 5-ALA supplements are available over-the-counter in Japan. There is also further development to bring 5-ALA to use in the prevention and treatment of patients infected with COVID-19. in the near future as well.

Inhibition of viral infection in cultured cells by 5-ALA (blue curve shows control, red curve shows effect of 5-ALA on inhibition of viral infection in cultured cells). Stop the infection of the COVID-19 virus. in cell culture Helps to improve energy metabolism in the body.

In general, more than 90 percent of ATP, which is the energy that the human body needs to perform various activities. They are made up of small and very important organs called mitochondria. But as people age, mitochondria become less functional. causing the metabolic system to work worse As a result, they get old quickly and get sick easily. Studies have shown that taking 5-ALA can improve the function of mitochondria. Resulting in aging slowly and not easily sick.

Foods rich in 5-ALA
Although there are 5-ALA supplements available at drugstores in Japan, But these supplements are quite expensive. And taking long-term supplements may have negative effects on the body. Eating natural foods that contain 5-ALA is a good and safe choice. The foods that are high in this amino acid include:

Natto
A 100-gram serving of natto contains approximately 25 micrograms of 5-ALA. In addition to 5-ALA, natto also contains an important nutrient that strengthens the body, including vitamin K, a vitamin that may help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 19 Yes, bacillus bacteria Natto species which helps create a good environment in the intestines Resulting in strengthening the immune cell system to work well and the mucin mucin (Mucin), which enhances the function of the cell epithelium and helps prevent viral infection.

spinach
100 grams of spinach contains about 13.8 micrograms of 5-ALA, as spinach is a vegetable rich in iron. Therefore helping to enhance 5-ALA to convert to heme well Therefore, it is more effective in helping to stop the virus from multiplying in the body.

red wine
100 grams of red wine contains about 110 micrograms of 5-ALA. However, red wine is an alcohol and should not be drunk in excess.

black vinegar
Black vinegar is obtained by fermenting brown rice. 100 grams of black vinegar contains about 150 micrograms of 5-ALA. In addition to the value of 5-ALA, black vinegar is also rich in citric acid. which enhances the metabolic system to function well Makes you not tired and not easily sick.

In addition to the aforementioned food The following foods, such as octopus (78 micrograms/100 g), octopus (38 micrograms/100 g), sake (70-353 micrograms/100 g), and bananas (32 micrograms/100 g), among others, also contain 5-ALA in: high volume as well

Although the diet contained very small amounts of 5-ALA compared to the experimental doses, But the human body can create this kind of substance by itself. Eating from food also helps to reassure that our bodies will be stronger.

Vaccination does not protect against COVID-19 virus infection. got a hundred percent Therefore, looking healthy together with the card does not fall, it is necessary forever. Eating food from all 5 groups and supplementing with foods that contain important nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, K and D, as well as 5-ALA, should be another good option that will keep us strong for a long time.
 
Reference content and images from
https://www.sanook.com/health/28681/