Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 12, 2024 4 months, 1 week, 4 days, 14 hours, 58 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: Amid the global pandemic, researchers from RWTH Aachen University in Germany have explored a potential new ally in the fight against COVID-19: zinc supplementation. This
COVID-19 News report delves into their findings, which suggest that zinc could play a significant role in both preventing and treating COVID-19. The study discusses the importance of zinc for the immune system and its potential to combat the virus, providing an accessible overview of these promising insights.
New Insights into Zinc's Role in Fighting COVID-19
Thailand Medical News had previously covered studies showing the importance of Zinc in COVID-19 treatments and recovery.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/zinc-s-role-in-immunity-and-its-impact-on-covid-19
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/higher-dietary-iron-and-zinc-intake-are-associated-with-decreased-risk-of-covid-19-infection-and-hospitalization
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/meta-analysis-study-shows-that-antioxidant-supplements-like-vitamin-c,-vitamin-d,-selenium-and-zinc-does-help-in-covid-19-clinical-outcomes-
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/irish-study-shows-that-anti-inflammatory-diets-comprising-of-mediterranean-cuisine,-vitamin-c,-d,-omega-3-fatty-acids-and-zinc-helps-in-covid-19
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-treatments-taiwanese-study-finds-that-zinc-supplements-enhances-certain-repurposed-drugs-efficacy-against-sars-cov-2
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-supplements-research-shows-that-lower-zinc-levels-in-blood-associated-with-an-increased-risk-of-mortality-in-covid-19-patients
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The Importance of Zinc
Zinc is a trace element crucial for the immune system's development and function. Deficiency in zinc can lead to a compromised immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections. According to the World Health Organization, about one-third of the world's population is affected by zinc deficiency, which is linked to 16% of all deep respiratory infections worldwide.
Zinc's Role in Preventing Viral Entry
The researchers highlight zinc's ability to protect the body from viral entry. The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, enters human cells by attaching to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the cellular protease TMPRSS2. Zinc plays a role in maintaining the integrity of tissue barriers, such as the respiratory epithelium, which can prevent viruses from entering the body. Zinc deficiency can impair these barriers, increasing susceptibility to infection.
Enhancing Immune Function
The study found that that zinc supplementation can help rebalance the immune response, especially in those with zinc deficiency. Zinc has been shown to improve mucociliary clearance, which is the process of removing mucus and pathogens from the respiratory tract. It also supports the production of interferons, proteins that play a crucial role in the immune response against viruses.
Direct Antiviral Effects
Zinc's direct antiviral properties are another key finding. Zinc can inhibit viral replication by affecting various viral processes, such as RNA synthesis and protein translation. This suggests that zinc could be beneficial in reducing the viral load in COVID-19 patients, potentially leading to better outcomes.
Balancing the Immune Response
One of the hallmarks of severe COVID-19 is an overactive immune response, known as a cytokine storm, which can lead to tissue damage and organ failure. Zinc's anti-inflammatory properties can help mitigate this response. Zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting lung tissue from damage.
Clinical Implications
The study findings have significant implications for clinical practice. Prophylactic zinc supplementation could be particularly beneficial for individuals at high risk of severe COVID-19, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The researchers also suggest that zinc supplementation could be combined with other treatments, such as chloroquine, to enhance their efficacy.
Supporting Evidence from Previous Studies
The benefits of zinc supplementation in respiratory infections are well-documented. Previous studies have shown that zinc can reduce the severity and duration of the common cold, which is often caused by coronaviruses. Zinc supplementation has also been effective in reducing morbidity and mortality from pneumonia, particularly in children.
Addressing Zinc Deficiency
Given the high prevalence of zinc deficiency and its overlap with COVID-19 risk groups, addressing this deficiency is crucial. Zinc supplementation is a cost-effective, globally available, and safe strategy that could significantly impact public health, especially during the pandemic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, zinc supplementation holds promise as a preventive and therapeutic measure against COVID-19. The study from RWTH Aachen University underscores zinc's potential to enhance immune function, prevent viral entry, and reduce inflammation. While further research is needed, these findings offer hope for a simple yet effective strategy to combat the virus.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Frontiers in Immunology.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01712/full
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