Xylitol Nasal Spray Prevents SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Xylitol Nasal Spray Prevents SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Results from a Prospective Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
By Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH
The sophisticated American consumer has grown accustomed to the gold-standard for drug and health products—the prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT). Operation Warp Speed (OWS) was supposed to be a churning mill of large RCT’s to help the nation understand what conclusively is effective in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Unfortunately, after three years, has delivered failed products (remdesivir, baricitinib, molnupiravir, COVID-19 vaccines) and small inconclusive trials of products that doctors have found effective in practice including off-target generic antivirals and anticoagulants. OWS did not test simple, affordable, available prevention strategies. Fortunately such RCTs where done outside of the US and have brought us important findings.
Balmforth et al, conducted a prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a xylitol based nasal spray in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in exposed healthcare workers in two hospitals in Uttar Pradesh, India. Xylitol is known to have anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties and is used in XLEAR nasal spray and anti-infective chewing gum to prevent dental caries. Balmforth found that SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by serology was 71% lower with xylitol compared to placebo [36 cases (13.1%) Vs 97 cases (34.5%); odds ratio [OR] 0.29 (95% CI; 0.18–0.45), p < 0.0001]. Fewer clinical symptoms were also seen in the test group [57 cases (17.6%) vs 112 cases (34.6%); OR 0.40, (95% CI; 0.27–0.59), p < 0.0001]. No harmful effects were associated with xylitol. A smaller study of xylitol nasal spray in mild COVID-19 cases demonstrated that persistent loss of smell may be eliminated with xylitol nasal spray during the acute congestion phase.
I have been impressed with the RCTs of topical nasal sprays and gargles in COVID-19 far more than those with oral or intravenous drugs. Xylitol available as XLEAR in US pharmacies is one of several choices for local nasopharyngeal protection and treatment of COVID-19.
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I started using this OTC product this summer after an 11 day, symptomatic C19 infection. No problems since, and very easy to use. I wonder if spicy, mucous generating food would have a similar effect if taken daily? Just one anecdotal data point and one crazy thought. Carry on.
A word of caution to anyone with dogs ... xylitol is highly toxic to them, so be sure to keep anything in your home containing xylitol out of pupper's reach. It's in lots of stuff today, including certain peanut butters. And you probably shouldn't give or get puppy kisses right after using your xylitol nasal spray, either!