Made in partnership with Projeto Comprova. Click here to learn more.
Investigated content: Publication translated from English contains a list of substances recommended by doctor Peter McCullough for “detoxification” of the S protein present in the vaccine against Covid-19. The same content contains the original video with the doctor’s statements on the subject.
Where was it published:X.
continues after advertising
Conclusion of Comprova: There is no scientific proof that the substances recommended by North American cardiologist Peter McCullough for a supposed detox against the effects of the Covid-19 vaccine can eliminate protein S from the body after immunization, contrary to what the post states.
The spike protein is present in Sars-CoV-2 as a structure that connects the virus to the human cell. Messenger RNA technology vaccines, such as Pfizer’s, teach the body to produce the same protein so that the immune system creates antibodies against it.
continues after advertising
As explained by Eduardo Silveira, professor at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of São Paulo (USP), it makes no sense to say that there is protein S intoxication after vaccination because it is eliminated from the body in a few days. “In the body, when a person is vaccinated, everything is processed quickly and in less than a week you have absolutely no proteins circulating anymore because they are quickly recognized by antibodies and eliminated. Some enzymes in the cells will degrade that material,” he said.
The supposed detox prepared by McCullough includes nattokinase, bromelain and curcumin to help “degrade the spike protein” after vaccination. The doctor also recommends additional treatments with hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, colchicine, nicotine patch or oral acyclovir, and naltrexone.
When Comprova, the Ministry of Health clarified that none of these substances have a proven relationship of effectiveness against any possible effect of Covid-19 vaccines. “Self-medication can present several health risks, including the worsening of symptoms or medical conditions, allergic reactions and antimicrobial resistance,” he warned.
continues after advertising
Furthermore, as Silveira explained, there is no evidence to prove harm caused by the spike protein to vaccinated people, according to the ministry. “The claim that people are ‘injured’ by the spike protein in vaccines has no reliable scientific basis,” says the note.
Infectious disease specialist Igor Queiroz, consultant at the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases, highlights that the effectiveness of the substances mentioned in the post has not been proven in humans, not even against the disease. “These compounds may even work in the laboratory, in a test tube, but when they are put into the human body, what we did with several medications, such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, it is like a placebo. It has no action against the virus in humans.”
continues after advertising
McCullough is known for spreading misinformation in the context of the pandemic. The doctor has already been the target of other Comprova checks, such as the one that demonstrated that the review of a study published on the Ministry of Health website does not guarantee the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in preventive treatment against covid-19 and that fraudulent studies do not delegitimize articles that prove ineffectiveness of the substance.
The doctor was also mentioned in checks in the international press, such as the one that demonstrated that an event in which he criticized the World Health Organization (WHO) was not officially organized by the European Parliament, contrary to what was reported on social media. There is disciplinary action against McCullough from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) for unfounded allegations related to vaccines.
Misleading, for Comprova, is any content taken from the original context and used in another in such a way that its meaning changes; that uses inaccurate data or that leads to an interpretation different from the intention of its author; content that confuses, with or without the deliberate intent to cause harm.
continues after advertising
Publication reach: Comprova investigates suspicious content with the greatest reach on social media. Until the publication of this text, the post had more than 70 thousand views. The original content, however, surpasses the mark of 1.3 million views and more than 30 thousand interactions.
Sources we consulted: We consulted the Ministry of Health, infectious disease specialist Igor Queiroz, member of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases, and Eduardo Silveira, professor at USP. We also retrieved previous Comprova checks about doctor Peter McCullough and the spike protein.
Self-medication can pose health risks
continues after advertising
The Ministry of Health warns that it is difficult to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of any treatment without the diagnosis and supervision of a qualified health professional. The folder also gave more details about the substances suggested by the doctor in the content verified here and clarified that there is no scientific evidence or relationship between their use and the treatment of covid-19.
- Nattokinase, bromelain and curcumin: these are natural substances that may have anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties.
- Hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin and colchicine: these are drugs that have been the subject of debate regarding their use in the treatment or prevention of covid-19. However, scientific studies published to date have not provided conclusive evidence that they are effective against the disease. Furthermore, these drugs can cause serious and even fatal side effects when used inappropriately.
- Nicotine patch or oral acyclovir: Using nicotine can be harmful to your health. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used primarily to treat herpes infections.
- Naltrexone: is a medication used to treat substance dependence and to reduce cravings for alcohol or opioids. Its misuse can have serious consequences.
Why Comprova investigated this publication: Comprova monitors suspicious content published on social networks and messaging applications about public policies, health, climate change and elections at the federal level and opens investigations into those publications that have greater reach and engagement. You can also suggest checks via WhatsApp +55 11 97045-4984.
Other checks on the topic: Other unfounded claims by doctor Peter McCullough have already been verified by checking agencies, including the old rumor that deceives about side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine, the misleading statements about the supposed relationship of deaths with the vaccine based on a study which was not reviewed and the false information about cases of myocarditis after vaccination.
