Scientists from Suzhou University (China) found that short-term fasting positively affects the immune function of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and their ability to fight infectious pathogens, including coronavirus. The results of the research were announced by the journal Immunity and Aging.
31 volunteers participated in the study; they fasted for six days and drank only water, then gradually switched to their normal diet over six days. The authors took several blood samples from the participants: at the beginning, end, and middle of the experiment.
Blood analysis revealed significant differences in erythrocyte content during the fasting and normal feeding stages. On the sixth day of the fast, multiple pathways associated with the immune response were activated, many of which persisted for the next six days.
Further research showed that much of the increased immune response was due to the complement system, which is vital for mature red blood cells. Evidence shows that fasting activates this system, thereby strengthening the immune function of red blood cells. Of particular note was the discovery that after fasting, red blood cells were primed to fight SARS-CoV-2.
Formerly virologist guess new wave of COVID-19 in autumn.