Zinc is a mineral that is often added to supplements to stimulate the immune system. Zinc is required to develop and communicate immune cells and plays an essential role in the inflammatory response. Zinc is physiologically required for an effective antiviral response. In vitro studies and several clinical studies have also shown zinc activity against several viruses.
Some studies have shown that zinc supplements may protect against respiratory tract infections such as the common cold and help reduce the duration of the common cold. The results of a 2019 study in 64 children hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infections, giving zinc 30 mg per day reduced the total duration of illness and the duration of hospitalization by an average of 2 days compared to children who received placebo.
The results of an in vitro study showed that zinc inhibited the activity of the coronavirus RdRp (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) and that the zinc ionophore blocked coronavirus replication. The exciting new findings also show that chloroquine has characteristics of a zinc ionophore and specifically targets extracellular zinc elements to intracellular lysosomes. It was hypothesized that chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine plus zinc administration might be more effective in reducing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality than chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine alone.
Analysis of data from 900 COVID-19 patients, about half were given zinc sulfate along with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. In contrast, the other half only received hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin from the hospital and were 44% less likely to die than patients receiving hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin alone. However, there was no change in the average length of hospital stay (6 days), time on the ventilator (5 days), or the total amount of oxygen required. However, controlled studies are still needed to prove the benefits of this combination in COVID-19 patients.
Long-term zinc consumption is safe for healthy adults as long as the daily dose is still below the upper limit of elemental zinc, which is 40 mg per day. Excessive amounts can affect the absorption of copper, which can increase the risk of infection.
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Reference:
1. The 15 best supplements to boost your immune system right now [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2020 June 15]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/immune-boosting-supplements#615.-Other-supplements-with-immune-boosting-potential
2. Derwand R, Scholz M. Does zinc supplementation enhance the clinical efficacy of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine to win today's battle against COVID-19? Medical Hypotheses 2020;142:109815
3. Zinc-hydroxychloroquine found effective in some COVID-19 patients: study [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2020 June 15]. Available from: https://www.france24.com/en/20200511-zinc-hydroxychloroquine-found-effective-in-some-covid-19-patients-study
