The following is an update on this rapidly spreading syndrome with a possible defense using natural and readily available items:

Like me, I'm sure you've been following the news reports on the progress of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Although well over 2,000 cases of this unusually virulent virus have resulted in 78 deaths, most of the cases are still contained in Asia, primarily in China. And while for most of us that may seem like a safe distance, I was reminded of how our world is more like a global village every day when I received this e-mail from an HSI member named Michael.

"I am writing as a HSI subscriber who happens to live in Hong Kong and travels frequently in China. As you undoubtedly know, we have a major health crisis going on here. Face mask use is now up to 80% of the population. An entire apartment building has been cordoned off with over ninety infected residents. No one is allowed in or out. I heard today that there is a run on supermarkets to stock up after rumors that the whole city may be quarantined. Thailand is holding all incoming airline passengers arriving from Hong Kong or China for from nine to twelve hours before allowing them to continue on into the country. Some airlines are considering suspending flights into Asia. Have you any advice for those in situations where one may find themselves in the middle of an outbreak of this nature?"

In March I addressed this issue with an e-Alert ("The Best Defense" 3/20/03) that outlined some of the best ways to strengthen your immune system. But to specifically answer Michael's question, I asked HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., to offer his advice:

"There are some MAJOR health 'insurance policies' that I personally would not be without if I were venturing into a SARS area. These would be in addition to a good daily multi- vitamin/mineral supplement that can help all nutrients function better together. I always avoid the 100% RDA types, which are far too weak (and expensive) to even bother with (plus they all have inorganic iron which I would avoid).

"A simple screen for finding a good multi-vitamin candidate is to look at the label for the numbered 'B's, such as B-1, B-2, B-6. If any of these are less than 25 milligrams then I'd look elsewhere.

"My 'beginner's list,' in addition to the multi, includes vitamin C, usually 1000 milligrams twice a day. In this case, however, I'd take 1000 milligrams three times a day, and I'd try to find one with additional citrus bioflavonoids (or take them separately).

"Then I'd add two more things: The one of possibly lesser importance would be alpha lipoic acid (ALA), 100 milligrams once or twice each day. The big one, however, would be a supplement of n-acetyl cysteine, or more simply NAC (health stores will all know it by that name). When in seriously affected SARS area I'd take 400 milligrams twice a day.

"When away from the threat, but with situations where return to SARS areas are expected, I'd lower the above to a somewhat cheaper dose (maybe half), but I wouldn't quit.

"The importance of NAC in lung problems is difficult to overstate. It is used even in emergency rooms (in intravenous form) for detoxifying unknown potential drug overdoses. It's useful for both lung and liver immune challenges and as a potent stimulant of l-glutathione, a most important compound used by the body for enhancing oxygen transport and maintaining red blood cell integrity."

My thanks to Dr. Spreen, as always, for his useful advice. And to Michael and other HSI members who may live or travel in SARS areas, I hope you'll take good care of yourselves and make it through this epidemic healthy and unharmed.