Dietary Nicotianamine as a Factor in International Variations of Mortality from Covid-19

Nicotianamine is a compound found only in plants that strongly binds to and potently inhibits at nanomolar concentrations the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which is the human cell receptor for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Because of its ACE2 binding activity it can potentially reduce mortality from Covid-19. This report explores the inverse association of dietary nicotianamine intake with mortality from Covid-19 from numerous countries. The data support a probable dramatic effect of nicotianamine in reducing coronavirus mortality. The best-case scenario of consuming a diet high in nicotianamine is a 100-fold reduction in Covid-19 mortality. Worst case is that one consumes a more healthful diet that is less expensive and more environmentally friendly.