There is current debate concerning the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme 
(ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs), for 
hypertension management, during COVID-19 infection. Specifically, the suggestion 
has been made that ACE inhibitors or ARBs could theoretically contribute to 
infection via increasing ACE2 receptor expression and hence increase viral load. 
The ACE2 receptor is responsible for binding the SAR-CoV2 viral spike and 
causing COVID-19 infection. What makes the argument somewhat obtuse for ACE 
inhibitors or ARBs is that ACE2 receptor expression can be increased by 
compounds that activate or increase the expression of SIRT1. Henceforth common 
dietary interventions, vitamins and nutrients may directly or indirectly 
influence the cellular expression of the ACE2 receptor. There are many common 
compounds that can increase the expression of the ACE2 receptor including 
Vitamin C, Metformin, Resveratrol, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin D. It is important to 
acknowledge that down-regulation or blocking the cellular ACE2 receptor will 
likely be pro-inflammatory and may contribute to end organ pathology and 
mortality in COVID-19. In conclusion from the perspective of the ACE2 receptor, 
COVID-19 prevention and treatment are distinctly different. This letter reflects 
on this current debate and suggests angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and 
ARBs are likely beneficial during COVID-19 infection for hypertensive and 
normotensive patients.