EXPLOITING COVID-19: QUACK-A-MOLE QUACK-A-MOLE
Main Article Content
Abstract
The term “quack” has always been synonymous with shouting about one’s dubious medical remedies in the public marketplace; however, modern quacks amplify their aggressive and deceptive advertising campaigns worldwide using social media and internet-based mechanisms. While many in the United States have suffered significant illness and economic hardship as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, purveyors of pseudoscientific therapies have enriched themselves. The United States Food and Drug Administration has taken steps to mitigate the claims of over 65 individuals or companies claiming to prevent or treat SARS-CoV2, but this effort has been eclipsed by the sheer number of individuals who continue to surface and exploit public credulity. Moreover, those selling the same types of products and making the same types of claims received FDA warning letters during previous public health crises. The majority of letter recipients were selling products in five categories: colloidal silver, cannabis or related products, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals. Those in the rapidly expanding self-care industry will continue to spread medical caveat emptor both now and during the next pandemic unless the medical community begins directly opposing the normalization of unproven and misleading advertising claims.
Article Details
How to Cite
SISSUNG, Tristan M; FIGG, William D.
EXPLOITING COVID-19: QUACK-A-MOLE.
Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 8, n. 8, aug. 2020.
ISSN 2375-1924.
Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/2213>. Date accessed: 27 nov. 2024.
doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v8i8.2213.
Section
Research Articles
The Medical Research Archives grants authors the right to publish and reproduce the unrevised contribution in whole or in part at any time and in any form for any scholarly non-commercial purpose with the condition that all publications of the contribution include a full citation to the journal as published by the Medical Research Archives.
References
1. FDA. Warning Letters. https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/compliance-actions-and-activities/warning-letters
2. Reyes-Velarde A. Beware the coronavirus scams: Colloidal silver, herb remedies and fake test kits. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-22/coronavirus-fraudsters-claim-to-have-cures
3. Walsh B. Psst! Want a Cure for H1N1? Swine Flu Scams. 2009;
4. FDA. Label Claims for Conventional Foods and Dietary Supplements. 2020;
5. Alexander JW. History of the medical use of silver. Surg Infect (Larchmt). Jun 2009;10(3):289-92. doi:10.1089/sur.2008.9941
6. Chopra I. The increasing use of silver-based products as antimicrobial agents: a useful development or a cause for concern? J Antimicrob Chemother. Apr 2007;59(4):587-90. doi:10.1093/jac/dkm006
7. Dai T, Huang YY, Sharma SK, Hashmi JT, Kurup DB, Hamblin MR. Topical antimicrobials for burn wound infections. Recent Pat Antiinfect Drug Discov. Jun 2010;5(2):124-51. doi:10.2174/157489110791233522
8. Schwartz MS. Missouri Sues Televangelist Jim Bakker For Selling Fake Coronavirus Cure. National Public Radio. https://www.npr.org/2020/03/11/814550474/missouri-sues-televangelist-jim-bakker-for-selling-fake-coronavirus-cure
9. Walmart. Oxy Life Ooxygen Colloidal Unflavored, 16 Oz. 2020;
10. Griffith RD, Simmons BJ, Yazdani Abyaneh MA, Bray FN, Falto-Aizpurua LA, Nouri K. Colloidal Silver: Dangerous and Readily Available. JAMA Dermatol. Jun 2015;151(6):667-8. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.120
11. Devine J. EXPERTS WARN OF COVID-19 CBD SCAMMERS. LA Weekly. 2020. https://www.laweekly.com/experts-warn-of-covid-19-cbd-scammers/
12. Mimica M. Attorney General forces Portland CBD store to take down misleading COVID-19 advertising. KGW8, Portland. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/oregon-attorney-general-coronavirus-cbd-store-claims-covid-19-immunity/283-f2d6abbc-2f02-439b-8e36-310b2aa03ea7
13. Abdallah SJ, Smith BM, Ware MA, et al. Effect of Vaporized Cannabis on Exertional Breathlessness and Exercise Endurance in Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ann Am Thorac Soc. Oct 2018;15(10):1146-1158. doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.201803-198OC
14. Davies BH, Radcliffe S, Seaton A, Graham JD. A trial of oral delta-1-(trans)-tetrahydrocannabinol in reversible airways obstruction. Thorax. Feb 1975;30(1):80-5. doi:10.1136/thx.30.1.80
15. Abboud RT, Sanders HD. Effect of oral administration of delta-tetrahydrocannabinol on airway mechanics in normal and asthmatic subjects. Chest. Oct 1976;70(4):480-5. doi:10.1378/chest.70.4.480
16. Tashkin DP, Reiss S, Shapiro BJ, Calvarese B, Olsen JL, Lodge JW. Bronchial effects of aerosolized delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy and asthmatic subjects. Am Rev Respir Dis. Jan 1977;115(1):57-65. doi:10.1164/arrd.1977.115.1.57
17. Tashkin DP, Shapiro BJ, Frank IM. Acute pulmonary physiologic effects of smoked marijuana and oral (Delta)9 -tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy young men. N Engl J Med. Aug 16 1973;289(7):336-41. doi:10.1056/NEJM197308162890702
18. Denning DW, Follansbee SE, Scolaro M, Norris S, Edelstein H, Stevens DA. Pulmonary aspergillosis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. N Engl J Med. Mar 7 1991;324(10):654-62. doi:10.1056/NEJM199103073241003
19. Gargani Y, Bishop P, Denning DW. Too many mouldy joints - marijuana and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis. 2011;3(1):e2011005. doi:10.4084/MJHID.2011.005
20. Duijker G, Bertsias A, Symvoulakis EK, et al. Reporting effectiveness of an extract of three traditional Cretan herbs on upper respiratory tract infection: results from a double-blind randomized controlled trial. J Ethnopharmacol. Apr 2 2015;163:157-66. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.01.030
21. Horvath G, Acs K. Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti-inflammatory action: a review. Flavour Fragr J. Sep 2015;30(5):331-341. doi:10.1002/ffj.3252
22. Hemila H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Jan 31 2013;(1):CD000980. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000980.pub4
23. Dunstan JA, Breckler L, Hale J, et al. Supplementation with vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and selenium has no effect on anti-oxidant status and immune responses in allergic adults: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Exp Allergy. Feb 2007;37(2):180-7. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02657.x
24. Griffiths HR, Willetts RS, Grant MM, Mistry N, Lunec J, Bevan RJ. In vivo vitamin C supplementation increases phosphoinositol transfer protein expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals. Br J Nutr. May 2009;101(10):1432-9. doi:10.1017/S0007114508079646
25. Wolvers DA, van Herpen-Broekmans WM, Logman MH, van der Wielen RP, Albers R. Effect of a mixture of micronutrients, but not of bovine colostrum concentrate, on immune function parameters in healthy volunteers: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Nutr J. Nov 21 2006;5:28. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-5-28
26. Aglipay M, Birken CS, Parkin PC, et al. Effect of High-Dose vs Standard-Dose Wintertime Vitamin D Supplementation on Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Young Healthy Children. JAMA. Jul 18 2017;318(3):245-254. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.8708
27. Bergman P, Norlin AC, Hansen S, et al. Vitamin D3 supplementation in patients with frequent respiratory tract infections: a randomised and double-blind intervention study. BMJ Open. 2012;2(6)doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001663
28. Denlinger LC, King TS, Cardet JC, et al. Vitamin D Supplementation and the Risk of Colds in Patients with Asthma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. Mar 15 2016;193(6):634-41. doi:10.1164/rccm.201506-1169OC
29. Shimizu Y, Ito Y, Yui K, Egawa K, Orimo H. Intake of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Reduces Duration and Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Comparison Study. J Nutr Health Aging. 2018;22(4):491-500. doi:10.1007/s12603-017-0952-x
30. Bueloni-Dias FN, Orsatti CL, Cangussu LM, et al. Isolated vitamin D supplementation improves the immune-inflammatory biomarkers in younger postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Menopause. Aug 2018;25(8):897-903. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001106
31. Konijeti GG, Arora P, Boylan MR, et al. Vitamin D Supplementation Modulates T Cell-Mediated Immunity in Humans: Results from a Randomized Control Trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Feb 2016;101(2):533-8. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-3599
32. Ponda MP, Liang Y, Kim J, et al. A randomized clinical trial in vitamin D-deficient adults comparing replenishment with oral vitamin D3 with narrow-band UV type B light: effects on cholesterol and the transcriptional profiles of skin and blood. Am J Clin Nutr. May 2017;105(5):1230-1238. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.150367
33. Eby GA, 3rd. Zinc lozenges as cure for the common cold--a review and hypothesis. Med Hypotheses. Mar 2010;74(3):482-92. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2009.10.017
34. Hemila H. Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage. JRSM Open. May 2017;8(5):2054270417694291. doi:10.1177/2054270417694291
35. Langkamp-Henken B, Bender BS, Gardner EM, et al. Nutritional formula enhanced immune function and reduced days of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in seniors. J Am Geriatr Soc. Jan 2004;52(1):3-12. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52003.x
36. Linday LA, Shindledecker RD, Tapia-Mendoza J, Dolitsky JN. Effect of daily cod liver oil and a multivitamin-mineral supplement with selenium on upper respiratory tract pediatric visits by young, inner-city, Latino children: randomized pediatric sites. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. Nov 2004;113(11):891-901. doi:10.1177/000348940411301108
37. ABC_News. Does Airborne Really Stave off Colds? ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Health/story?id=1664514&page=1
38. Federal_Trade_Commission. CVS Pharmacy, Inc., et al. Federal Trade Commission. https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/072-3237/cvs-pharmacy-inc-et-al
39. Bollier J. Nature's Way's Green Bay workforce adapts rapidly to keep up with "off-the-charts" demand for nutritional supplements, vitamins. Green Bay Press-Gazette. https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/money/2020/04/15/coronavirus-green-bay-natures-way-balances-surge-demand-safety-needs/5130096002/
40. Egan B, Hodgkins C, Shepherd R, Timotijevic L, Raats M. An overview of consumer attitudes and beliefs about plant food supplements. Food Funct. Dec 2011;2(12):747-52. doi:10.1039/c1fo10109a
2. Reyes-Velarde A. Beware the coronavirus scams: Colloidal silver, herb remedies and fake test kits. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-22/coronavirus-fraudsters-claim-to-have-cures
3. Walsh B. Psst! Want a Cure for H1N1? Swine Flu Scams. 2009;
4. FDA. Label Claims for Conventional Foods and Dietary Supplements. 2020;
5. Alexander JW. History of the medical use of silver. Surg Infect (Larchmt). Jun 2009;10(3):289-92. doi:10.1089/sur.2008.9941
6. Chopra I. The increasing use of silver-based products as antimicrobial agents: a useful development or a cause for concern? J Antimicrob Chemother. Apr 2007;59(4):587-90. doi:10.1093/jac/dkm006
7. Dai T, Huang YY, Sharma SK, Hashmi JT, Kurup DB, Hamblin MR. Topical antimicrobials for burn wound infections. Recent Pat Antiinfect Drug Discov. Jun 2010;5(2):124-51. doi:10.2174/157489110791233522
8. Schwartz MS. Missouri Sues Televangelist Jim Bakker For Selling Fake Coronavirus Cure. National Public Radio. https://www.npr.org/2020/03/11/814550474/missouri-sues-televangelist-jim-bakker-for-selling-fake-coronavirus-cure
9. Walmart. Oxy Life Ooxygen Colloidal Unflavored, 16 Oz. 2020;
10. Griffith RD, Simmons BJ, Yazdani Abyaneh MA, Bray FN, Falto-Aizpurua LA, Nouri K. Colloidal Silver: Dangerous and Readily Available. JAMA Dermatol. Jun 2015;151(6):667-8. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.120
11. Devine J. EXPERTS WARN OF COVID-19 CBD SCAMMERS. LA Weekly. 2020. https://www.laweekly.com/experts-warn-of-covid-19-cbd-scammers/
12. Mimica M. Attorney General forces Portland CBD store to take down misleading COVID-19 advertising. KGW8, Portland. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/oregon-attorney-general-coronavirus-cbd-store-claims-covid-19-immunity/283-f2d6abbc-2f02-439b-8e36-310b2aa03ea7
13. Abdallah SJ, Smith BM, Ware MA, et al. Effect of Vaporized Cannabis on Exertional Breathlessness and Exercise Endurance in Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ann Am Thorac Soc. Oct 2018;15(10):1146-1158. doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.201803-198OC
14. Davies BH, Radcliffe S, Seaton A, Graham JD. A trial of oral delta-1-(trans)-tetrahydrocannabinol in reversible airways obstruction. Thorax. Feb 1975;30(1):80-5. doi:10.1136/thx.30.1.80
15. Abboud RT, Sanders HD. Effect of oral administration of delta-tetrahydrocannabinol on airway mechanics in normal and asthmatic subjects. Chest. Oct 1976;70(4):480-5. doi:10.1378/chest.70.4.480
16. Tashkin DP, Reiss S, Shapiro BJ, Calvarese B, Olsen JL, Lodge JW. Bronchial effects of aerosolized delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy and asthmatic subjects. Am Rev Respir Dis. Jan 1977;115(1):57-65. doi:10.1164/arrd.1977.115.1.57
17. Tashkin DP, Shapiro BJ, Frank IM. Acute pulmonary physiologic effects of smoked marijuana and oral (Delta)9 -tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy young men. N Engl J Med. Aug 16 1973;289(7):336-41. doi:10.1056/NEJM197308162890702
18. Denning DW, Follansbee SE, Scolaro M, Norris S, Edelstein H, Stevens DA. Pulmonary aspergillosis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. N Engl J Med. Mar 7 1991;324(10):654-62. doi:10.1056/NEJM199103073241003
19. Gargani Y, Bishop P, Denning DW. Too many mouldy joints - marijuana and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis. 2011;3(1):e2011005. doi:10.4084/MJHID.2011.005
20. Duijker G, Bertsias A, Symvoulakis EK, et al. Reporting effectiveness of an extract of three traditional Cretan herbs on upper respiratory tract infection: results from a double-blind randomized controlled trial. J Ethnopharmacol. Apr 2 2015;163:157-66. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.01.030
21. Horvath G, Acs K. Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti-inflammatory action: a review. Flavour Fragr J. Sep 2015;30(5):331-341. doi:10.1002/ffj.3252
22. Hemila H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Jan 31 2013;(1):CD000980. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000980.pub4
23. Dunstan JA, Breckler L, Hale J, et al. Supplementation with vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and selenium has no effect on anti-oxidant status and immune responses in allergic adults: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Exp Allergy. Feb 2007;37(2):180-7. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02657.x
24. Griffiths HR, Willetts RS, Grant MM, Mistry N, Lunec J, Bevan RJ. In vivo vitamin C supplementation increases phosphoinositol transfer protein expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals. Br J Nutr. May 2009;101(10):1432-9. doi:10.1017/S0007114508079646
25. Wolvers DA, van Herpen-Broekmans WM, Logman MH, van der Wielen RP, Albers R. Effect of a mixture of micronutrients, but not of bovine colostrum concentrate, on immune function parameters in healthy volunteers: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Nutr J. Nov 21 2006;5:28. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-5-28
26. Aglipay M, Birken CS, Parkin PC, et al. Effect of High-Dose vs Standard-Dose Wintertime Vitamin D Supplementation on Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Young Healthy Children. JAMA. Jul 18 2017;318(3):245-254. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.8708
27. Bergman P, Norlin AC, Hansen S, et al. Vitamin D3 supplementation in patients with frequent respiratory tract infections: a randomised and double-blind intervention study. BMJ Open. 2012;2(6)doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001663
28. Denlinger LC, King TS, Cardet JC, et al. Vitamin D Supplementation and the Risk of Colds in Patients with Asthma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. Mar 15 2016;193(6):634-41. doi:10.1164/rccm.201506-1169OC
29. Shimizu Y, Ito Y, Yui K, Egawa K, Orimo H. Intake of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Reduces Duration and Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Comparison Study. J Nutr Health Aging. 2018;22(4):491-500. doi:10.1007/s12603-017-0952-x
30. Bueloni-Dias FN, Orsatti CL, Cangussu LM, et al. Isolated vitamin D supplementation improves the immune-inflammatory biomarkers in younger postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Menopause. Aug 2018;25(8):897-903. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001106
31. Konijeti GG, Arora P, Boylan MR, et al. Vitamin D Supplementation Modulates T Cell-Mediated Immunity in Humans: Results from a Randomized Control Trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Feb 2016;101(2):533-8. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-3599
32. Ponda MP, Liang Y, Kim J, et al. A randomized clinical trial in vitamin D-deficient adults comparing replenishment with oral vitamin D3 with narrow-band UV type B light: effects on cholesterol and the transcriptional profiles of skin and blood. Am J Clin Nutr. May 2017;105(5):1230-1238. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.150367
33. Eby GA, 3rd. Zinc lozenges as cure for the common cold--a review and hypothesis. Med Hypotheses. Mar 2010;74(3):482-92. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2009.10.017
34. Hemila H. Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage. JRSM Open. May 2017;8(5):2054270417694291. doi:10.1177/2054270417694291
35. Langkamp-Henken B, Bender BS, Gardner EM, et al. Nutritional formula enhanced immune function and reduced days of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in seniors. J Am Geriatr Soc. Jan 2004;52(1):3-12. doi:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2004.52003.x
36. Linday LA, Shindledecker RD, Tapia-Mendoza J, Dolitsky JN. Effect of daily cod liver oil and a multivitamin-mineral supplement with selenium on upper respiratory tract pediatric visits by young, inner-city, Latino children: randomized pediatric sites. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. Nov 2004;113(11):891-901. doi:10.1177/000348940411301108
37. ABC_News. Does Airborne Really Stave off Colds? ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Health/story?id=1664514&page=1
38. Federal_Trade_Commission. CVS Pharmacy, Inc., et al. Federal Trade Commission. https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/072-3237/cvs-pharmacy-inc-et-al
39. Bollier J. Nature's Way's Green Bay workforce adapts rapidly to keep up with "off-the-charts" demand for nutritional supplements, vitamins. Green Bay Press-Gazette. https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/money/2020/04/15/coronavirus-green-bay-natures-way-balances-surge-demand-safety-needs/5130096002/
40. Egan B, Hodgkins C, Shepherd R, Timotijevic L, Raats M. An overview of consumer attitudes and beliefs about plant food supplements. Food Funct. Dec 2011;2(12):747-52. doi:10.1039/c1fo10109a