Alexey Polonikov

The majority of older people and those with comorbidities have higher rates of severe illness and death from coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection suggests that age, and disease-related biological mechanisms make these people more vulnerable to environmental stress factors, like infectious agents including coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this Viewpoint is to demonstrate (1) the importance of glutathione in assessing human susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and disease pathogenesis, as well as (2) the possibility of using glutathione to treat and prevent COVID-19 illness. On the basis of an extensive literature review and findings, the theory that glutathione deficiency is the most likely cause for severe manifestations and mortality in COVID-19 patients was proposed. The theory explains the mysteries of epidemiological evidence on the risk factors that lead to severe COVID-19 infection and a high risk of mortality, and it provides real hope for successful care and prevention of the disease.