Misleading
There is no evidence that the spike protein, produced in the human body from vaccines against Covid-19, causes injuries to immunized people, nor that medications could eliminate it from the body, as claimed in a post on X. Experts consulted by Comprova explained that the protein is naturally eliminated a few days after vaccination, and they warned that self-medication with the indicated substances could cause harm. There is disciplinary action from the American Board of Internal Medicine (Abim) against the doctor who recommended the conduct.
Content investigated: 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 it was published: X.
Comprova Conclusion: 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.
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 cell enzymes will degrade that material.”
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”, warns the statement.
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.”
Read: There is no evidence that suramin eliminates the vaccine from the body of those immunized against Covid
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.
Publication scope: 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
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 that it was not reviewed and the false information about cases of myocarditis after vaccination.
Investigated by: Estadão, Band News FM
Verified by: A Gazeta, Tribuna do Norte, UOL, Folha de S. Paulo, Correio
