Geir Bjørklund

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COVID-19 Research

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The COVID-19 pandemic, triggered by the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, rapidly escalated into a global health crisis. In response, researchers across disciplines intensified efforts to understand the biological, environmental, and nutritional determinants of disease transmission and clinical outcomes. Micronutrient status, immune competence, and vaccine development emerged as central themes.

Geir Bjørklund, MD, has made significant contributions to this interdisciplinary research, with a particular focus on nutritional and environmental medicine. His work has highlighted the immunological relevance of trace elements such as zinc, selenium, copper, and iron. These micronutrients, which help maintain redox balance and regulate cytokine responses, have been investigated for their potential role in modulating COVID-19 severity, particularly among older adults and individuals with comorbidities.

Bjørklund has co-authored several international studies examining how deficiencies in essential micronutrients may impair immune function. These findings suggest that targeted nutritional supplementation may enhance host defense and be associated with milder disease trajectories, although randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish causality. One study investigated persistent alterations in red blood cell rheology following mild SARS-CoV-2 infection, linking microvascular dysfunction to post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) and emphasizing the roles of systemic inflammation and hypercoagulability. In vitro effects of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins on erythrocyte integrity, underscoring the importance of variant-specific controls and methodological precision in hematological studies.

In related work, Bjørklund has contributed to investigations of adjunctive therapeutic strategies involving micronutrients such as vitamin D, ascorbic acid, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. While emerging data suggest associations between adequate nutrient status and improved clinical outcomes, further controlled trials are required to determine their role in treatment protocols.

His research also extends to botanical compounds. Co-authored reviews have examined phytochemicals, particularly those used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, for their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Natural agents such as quercetin have been evaluated for potential therapeutic benefit and enhanced bioavailability through nanoparticle delivery systems. While these findings remain exploratory, they indicate promising directions for integrative approaches.

Bjørklund’s contribution to vaccine research is reflected in a 2024 book chapter that reviewed the rapid development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The chapter covered mRNA-based platforms such as Pfizer-BioNTech’s BNT162b2 and Moderna’s mRNA-1273, highlighting their efficacy in reducing severe disease and mortality. It also addressed persistent challenges, including global inequities in vaccine access and vaccine hesitancy, which remain obstacles to achieving widespread immunization.

Another dimension of his work focused on genetic and epigenetic susceptibility to COVID-19. A systematic review co-authored by Bjørklund investigated the roles of HLA polymorphisms, ACE2 receptor expression, and ABO blood group antigens in modulating infection risk and immune response. These insights support the potential of personalized healthcare strategies that integrate genomic data with clinical risk profiles.

Environmental exposures were also central to his research. Studies examined how air pollutants such as tropospheric ozone, particulate matter, and toxic metal burdens may affect immune function and contribute to geographic disparities in disease burden. For example, an investigation into the regional distribution of COVID-19 in Italy proposed that environmental factors, combined with allergic susceptibility, may have contributed to the observed bimodal incidence pattern.

In structural biology, Bjørklund collaborated on in silico modeling studies that mapped interactions between SARS-CoV-2 proteins and human zinc-binding E3 ubiquitin ligases. These analyses suggested that viral proteins, particularly orf8, may disrupt host immune signaling by targeting zinc-coordinated RING domains. A related study identified 58 human metalloproteins potentially affected by viral interference, raising the possibility of broader perturbations in cellular metal homeostasis.

As founder of the Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Bjørklund has fostered interdisciplinary collaboration across immunology, toxicology, virology, and nutrition. His advocacy for integrative public health strategies, including nutritional optimization, reduction of environmental toxicants, and early therapeutic intervention, has helped shape broader frameworks for pandemic preparedness and response.

In summary, Geir Bjørklund’s research during the COVID-19 pandemic provides a comprehensive perspective on the interplay between nutrition, environment, and molecular biology in shaping disease outcomes. His work supports the development of evidence-informed strategies to enhance immune function, guide clinical management, and inform future public health policy.

References

Benahmed AG, Gasmi A, Anzar W, Arshad M, Bjørklund G. Improving safety in dental practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Technol (Berl). 2022;12(1):205-214. doi:10.1007/s12553-021-00627-6

Bjørklund G, Drapak I, Zimenkovsky B, Shanaida M, Kobylinska L, Denefil O, Lysiuk R, Pokryshko O, Logoyda L, Oliinyk P, Shanaida V, Semenova Y. The role of vitamins, magnesium, and trace elements in COVID-19 treatment and post-COVID-19 rehabilitation: an updated overview. Curr Med Chem. Published online May 20, 2024. doi:10.2174/0109298673301578240515095227

Bjørklund G, Lysiuk R, Semenova Y, Lenchyk L, Dub N, Doşa MD, Hangan T. Herbal substances with antiviral effects: features and prospects for the treatment of viral diseases with emphasis on pro-inflammatory cytokines. Curr Med Chem. 2024;31(4):393-409. doi:10.2174/0929867330666230125121758

Bjørklund G, Lysiuk R, Butnariu M, Lenchyk L, Sharma V, Sharma R, Martins N. Low prevalence of COVID-19 in Laos and Cambodia: does diet play a role? Acta Med Leopoliensia. 2022;28(1-2):161-180. doi:10.25040/aml2022.1-2.161

Bjørklund G, Tirelli U, Chirumbolo S, Valdenassi L. Effect of SARS-CoV2 S protein on red blood cells parameters. Some comments. Biomed J. Published online April 22, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.bj.2025.100857

Chasapis CT, Georgiopoulou AK, Perlepes SP, Bjørklund G, Peana M. A SARS-CoV-2 -human metalloproteome interaction map. J Inorg Biochem. 2021;219:111423. doi:10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111423

Chasapis CT, Perlepes SP, Bjørklund G, Peana M. Structural modeling of protein ensembles between E3 RING ligases and SARS-CoV-2: The role of zinc binding domains. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2023;75:127089. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127089

Chirumbolo S, Bjørklund G. The bimodal SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Italy as an effect of environmental and allergic causes. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;146(2):331-332. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2020.05.011

Chirumbolo S, Bjørklund G. Wheat and chaffs in the interpretation of the current COVID19 outbreak in Italy. Virusdisease. 2020;31(2):85-93. doi:10.1007/s13337-020-00602-1

Dadar M, Fakhri Y, Bjørklund G, Shahali Y. The association between the incidence of COVID-19 and the distance from the virus epicenter in Iran. Arch Virol. 2020;165(11):2555-2560. doi:10.1007/s00705-020-04774-5

Gasmi A, Benahmed AG, Dadar M, Mujawdiya P, Bjørklund G. Optimizing the antimicrobial effects by using natural compounds in COVID-19 management. Curr Med Chem. Published online May 23, 2024. doi:10.2174/0109298673294083240520044158

Gasmi A, Chirumbolo S, Peana M, Noor S, Menzel A, Dadar M, Bjørklund G. The role of diet and supplementation of natural products in COVID-19 prevention. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2022;200(1):27-30. doi:10.1007/s12011-021-02623-3

Gasmi A, Kanwal S, Oliinyk P, Lysiuk R, Shanaida M, Gasmi Benahmed A, Dushmantha WKT, Arshad M, Kernychna I, Lenchyk L, Upyr T, Shanaida V, Bjørklund G. Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs against coronaviruses. Curr Pharm Des. 2024;30(21):1681-1698. doi:10.2174/0113816128269864231112094917

Gasmi A, Kassym L, Menzel A, Anzar W, Dadar M, Semenova Y, Arshad M, Bihunyak T, Meguid NA, Peana M, Bekbergenova Z, Bjørklund G. Genetic and epigenetic determinants of COVID-19 susceptibility: a systematic review. Curr Med Chem. 2025;32(4):753-770. doi:10.2174/0109298673267890231221100659

Gasmi A, Mujawdiya PK, Lysiuk R, Shanaida M, Peana M, Gasmi Benahmed A, Beley N, Kovalska N, Bjørklund G. Quercetin in the prevention and treatment of coronavirus infections: a focus on SARS-CoV-2. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(9):1049. doi:10.3390/ph15091049

Gasmi A, Noor S, Dadar M, Semenova Y, Menzel A, Gasmi Benahmed A, Bjørklund G. The role of traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese pharmacopoeia in the evaluation and treatment of COVID-19. Curr Pharm Des. 2024;30(14):1060-1074. doi:10.2174/0113816128217263240220060252

Gasmi A, Noor S, Menzel A, Khanyk N, Semenova Y, Lysiuk R, Beley N, Bolibrukh L, Gasmi Benahmed A, Storchylo O, Bjørklund G. Potential drugs in COVID-19 management. Curr Med Chem. 2024;31(22):3245-3264. doi:10.2174/0929867331666230717154101

Gasmi A, Noor S, Tippairote T, Dadar M, Menzel A, Bjørklund G. Individual risk management strategy and potential therapeutic options for the COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Immunol. 2020;215:108409. doi:10.1016/j.clim.2020.108409

Gasmi A, Peana M, Noor S, Lysiuk R, Menzel A, Gasmi Benahmed A, Bjørklund G. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of COVID-19: the never-ending story. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2021;105(4):1333-1343. doi:10.1007/s00253-021-11094-4

Gasmi A, Semenova Y, Noor S, Nehaoua A, Malek R, Malek H, Bjørklund G. COVID-19 vaccine strategies. In: International and Life Course Aspects of COVID-19. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier; 2024:25-34. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-95649-9.00003-3

Gasmi A, Peana M, Pivina L, Srinath S, Gasmi Benahmed A, Semenova Y, Menzel A, Dadar M, Bjørklund G. Interrelations between COVID-19 and other disorders. Clin Immunol. 2021;224:108651. doi:10.1016/j.clim.2020.108651

Gasmi A, Semenova Y, Noor S, Benahmed AG, Bjørklund G. Sleep, dietary melatonin supplementation, and COVID-19. Curr Med Chem. 2024;31(11):1298-1314. doi:10.2174/0929867330666230224093849

Gasmi A, Srinath S, Dadar M, Pivina L, Menzel A, Benahmed AG, Chirumbolo S, Bjørklund G. A global survey in the developmental landscape of possible vaccination strategies for COVID-19. Clin Immunol. 2022;237:108958. doi:10.1016/j.clim.2022.108958

Gasmi A, Tippairote T, Mujawdiya PK, Peana M, Menzel A, Dadar M, Gasmi Benahmed A, Bjørklund G. Micronutrients as immunomodulatory tools for COVID-19 management. Clin Immunol. 2020;220:108545. doi:10.1016/j.clim.2020.108545

Gasmi A, Tippairote T, Mujawdiya PK, Gasmi Benahmed A, Menzel A, Dadar M, Bjørklund G. Neurological involvements of SARS-CoV2 infection. Mol Neurobiol. 2021;58(3):944-949. doi:10.1007/s12035-020-02070-6

Gasmi A, Tippairote T, Mujawdiya PK, Menzel A, Lysiuk R, Shanaida M, Lenchyk L, Peana M, Bjørklund G. Traditional Chinese medicine as the preventive and therapeutic remedy for COVID-19. Curr Med Chem. 2024;31(21):3118-3131. doi:10.2174/0929867330666230331084126

Gasmi A, Tippairote T, Mujawdiya PK, Peana M, Menzel A, Dadar M, Benahmed AG, Bjørklund G. The microbiota-mediated dietary and nutritional interventions for COVID-19. Clin Immunol. 2021;226:108725. doi:10.1016/j.clim.2021.108725

Hosnedlova B, Werle J, Cepova J, Narayanan VHB, Vyslouzilova L, Fernandez C, Parikesit AA, Kepinska M, Klapkova E, Kotaska K, Stepankova O, Bjorklund G, Prusa R, Kizek R. Electrochemical sensors and biosensors for identification of viruses: a critical review. Crit Rev Anal Chem. Published online May 16, 2024:1-30. doi:10.1080/10408347.2024.2343853

Pandolfi S, Chirumbolo S, Ricevuti G, Valdenassi L, Bjørklund G, Lysiuk R, Doşa MD, Lenchyk L, Fazio S. Home pharmacological therapy in early COVID-19 to prevent hospitalization and reduce mortality: Time for a suitable proposal. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2022;130(2):225-239. doi:10.1111/bcpt.13690

Pandolfi S, Valdenassi L, Bjørklund G, Chirumbolo S, Lysiuk R, Lenchyk L, Doşa MD, Fazio S. COVID-19 medical and pharmacological management in the European countries compared to Italy: an overview. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(7):4262. doi:10.3390/ijerph19074262

Pazara L, Tudorache M, Dusa D, Bjørklund G, Dadar M, Doşa MD, Chirumbolo S, Cambrea C. Prolonged alterations in red blood cell rheology following mild SARS-CoV-2 infection: Implications for microvascular health. Clin Immunol. Published online April 30, 2025;277:110511. doi:10.1016/j.clim.2025.110511

Tippairote T, Peana M, Chirumbolo S, Bjørklund G. Individual risk management strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infection: A step toward personalized healthcare. Int Immunopharmacol. 2021;96:107629. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107629

Environmental and Immune Factors in CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia

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Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and fibromyalgia remain diagnostically and therapeutically challenging. Despite different formal classifications, CFS/ME is a neurological disorder, and fibromyalgia is a functional somatic syndrome; both conditions present with overlapping symptomatology. These include persistent fatigue unrelieved by rest, musculoskeletal pain, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and reduced functional capacity. Standard pharmacologic therapies frequently fail to produce sustained benefit, prompting investigation into less conventionally recognized biomedical mechanisms.

A 2023 article published in ARS Medica Tomitana by Dr. Yuliya Semenova of Nazarbayev University School of Medicine provides an overview of the work of Dr. Geir Bjørklund (Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Norway), whose research has explored the intersections of environmental toxicology, nutritional medicine, and immune function in these syndromes (1). This work has introduced novel hypotheses and data concerning the biological underpinnings of symptom persistence and treatment resistance in CFS/ME and fibromyalgia.

A central research contribution of Bjørklund and collaborators is the identification of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions to environmental metals, including nickel, mercury, cadmium, and gold, as potential triggers in fibromyalgia and related connective tissue disorders. Using the MELISA® lymphocyte transformation assay, Bjørklund and colleagues have demonstrated a significantly increased prevalence of metal sensitivity among patients with fibromyalgia and autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome. In follow-up studies, patients who underwent metal exposure reduction, notably through dental material replacement, showed marked symptomatic improvement. These findings support the hypothesis that persistent antigenic stimulation from bioaccumulated metals may promote chronic immune activation and neuroinflammation via T-cell-mediated mechanisms.

Parallel research by Bjørklund has addressed micronutrient deficiencies, which appear disproportionately prevalent in patients with CFS/ME and fibromyalgia. Deficits in magnesium, selenium, amino acids, and vitamins B and D have been associated with disrupted mitochondrial function, impaired neurotransmitter synthesis, altered redox balance, and dysfunctional pain modulation. His work has suggested that toxic metals may further aggravate these deficiencies by interfering with absorption and intracellular transport, amplifying biochemical vulnerability. These insights support the role of targeted nutritional interventions in mitigating symptom burden and restoring physiological resilience.

Bjørklund’s co-authored review in Molecular Neurobiology (2020) further expanded the pathophysiological framework of CFS/ME by integrating data on post-infectious immune dysregulation, nitro-oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction (2). Biomarkers frequently identified in patients include reduced levels of coenzyme Q10, NADH, and carnitine, alongside elevated nitric oxide metabolites and lipid peroxides. These findings suggest an underlying state of metabolic exhaustion and cellular stress that may contribute to exertional intolerance and neurocognitive symptoms, hallmarks of CFS/ME.

The role of infectious triggers, particularly herpesviruses and enteroviruses, has also been central to Bjørklund’s contributions. Epidemiological data indicate that up to 80% of CFS/ME patients report symptom onset following acute infection. Documented abnormalities include impaired natural killer cell cytotoxicity and skewed cytokine profiles, typically involving IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α elevations. These immune disturbances reinforce the diagnostic relevance of the Canadian Consensus Criteria and International Consensus Criteria, which emphasize immune-metabolic phenotyping, an approach consistently advocated by Bjørklund.

Regarding treatment, Bjørklund’s interest in pharmacognosy has led to exploring natural compounds with immunomodulatory and mitochondrial-supportive properties. Adaptogenic botanicals such as Rhodiola rosea and Panax ginseng, as well as coenzyme Q10, curcumin, and lipid replacement therapy, have been studied for their potential to reduce fatigue, modulate oxidative stress, and improve cellular function. While larger controlled trials are needed, preliminary findings support their integration into a multimodal treatment strategy, particularly for patients with identifiable biochemical imbalances.

The overarching message of Bjørklund’s work is the necessity of adopting a systems medicine approach to CFS/ME and fibromyalgia that integrates toxicological, immunological, and nutritional perspectives into the clinical evaluation. By identifying and addressing modifiable biomedical contributors to chronicity, this framework moves beyond symptomatic treatment and aligns with the broader goals of precision medicine.

While acknowledging these syndromes’ psychological and social dimensions, Bjørklund’s research underscores the insufficiency of psychogenic models in explaining the full spectrum of clinical and biochemical findings. His integrative, evidence-informed approach continues to shape the evolving discourse on chronic multisystem illness and calls for renewed research efforts focused on biomarker identification, mechanistic validation, and personalized intervention trials.

References

  1. Semenova Y. Complex Perspectives on CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia: An Interview with Dr. Geir Bjørklund. ARS Medica Tomitana. 2023;29(4):217–225. doi:10.2478/arsm-2023-0032
  2. Bjørklund G, Dadar M, Pivina L, Dosa MD, Semenova Y, Maes M. Environmental, neuro-immune, and neuro-oxidative stress interactions in chronic fatigue syndrome. Mol Neurobiol. 2020;57(11):4598-607.

Exploring the Role of Zinc and Copper in Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Dr. Geir Bjørklund, MD, has provided groundbreaking insights into the zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) dynamics associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), featured in a recent interview in ARS Medica Tomitana, the official journal of Ovidius University of Constanta (Semenova, 2023).

Through international collaborations spanning various countries, Bjørklund’s research has uncovered compelling evidence of altered Zn and Cu levels in individuals with ASD. Elevated Cu levels appear to be correlated with increased symptom severity, suggesting a critical link to the neurobiological underpinnings of ASD.

In a discussion with Dr. Yuliya Semenova from Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Dr. Bjørklund emphasized the pivotal role of metallothionein proteins in synaptic modulation within the GABAergic system, shedding light on ASD pathophysiology.

Advocating for future research that explores diverse biological mediums to assess trace element levels, Bjørklund’s work promises valuable insights into the interactions and dynamics of trace elements in ASD pathogenesis.

The interview also explores potential therapeutic implications, primarily focusing on the role of Zn supplementation in ASD treatment. Dr. Bjørklund underscores the necessity of monitoring both Cu and Zn levels during therapy to optimize outcomes.

Through collaborative efforts across international borders, Dr. Bjørklund’s research significantly advances the understanding of the role of Zn and Cu in ASD, emphasizing the global impact of this work. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to unraveling trace element intricacies in ASD, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes.

Vital Press

Reference

Semenova Y. The zinc-copper connection in autism spectrum disorder: Pioneering work of Dr. Geir Bjørklund. ARS Medica Tomitana 2023; 29(4): 245-257. doi: 10.2478/arsm-2023-0036.

Nutritional and Environmental Medicine

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Nutritional and environmental medicine is a multidisciplinary field investigating how dietary components and environmental exposures influence human health. By exploring the dynamic relationships between nutrients, toxins, and biological systems, the field offers a framework for identifying the root causes of disease and developing personalized strategies for prevention and treatment.

Geir Bjørklund, MD, is a researcher and the founder and president of the Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), an international nonprofit organization established in 2013. Under his leadership, CONEM has become a global platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, uniting researchers and clinicians to examine how nutritional and environmental factors shape health outcomes across individuals and populations.

Bjørklund’s research has contributed to understanding the roles that trace elements, heavy metals, and environmental toxins play in neurological and developmental disorders. He has authored and co-authored hundreds of peer-reviewed articles, most of which are indexed in PubMed, focusing on the interactions among micronutrients, metabolic pathways, and environmental stressors and their impact on physiology, pathology, and gene expression.

This field draws from multiple scientific disciplines, including genetics, epigenetics, toxicology, epidemiology, and clinical medicine. By integrating these perspectives, nutritional and environmental medicine provides a comprehensive view of how lifestyle, diet, and environmental exposures collectively influence health and disease. Geir Bjørklund has been a strong proponent of this integrative model, emphasizing the importance of biochemical individuality and the need for evidence-based, patient-centered research and clinical practice approaches.

In the clinical setting, nutritional and environmental medicine prioritizes personalized care. Practitioners conduct in-depth assessments, including analysis of diet, environmental exposures, and genetic susceptibility, to address underlying causes rather than merely alleviating symptoms. This approach enhances patient outcomes and encourages proactive engagement in long-term health management.

Bjørklund’s contributions also extend to public health. Through his efforts to translate complex scientific knowledge into actionable strategies, ranging from nutritional interventions to environmental remediation, he continues to influence scientific discourse, healthcare practice, and health policy internationally.