Potential Role of Vitamins and Zinc on Acute Respiratory Infections Including Covid-19

Abstract

Background. Vitamin C, E, D, A, zinc are considered to be essential in preventing and treating of acute respiratory infections (ARI) including COVID-19. Methods. We reviewed published studies evaluating the potential roles of these vitamin and zinc for ARIs and COVID-19 using Medline database, medRxiv, and bibliographic references. Results. Vitamins C, D, and E did not reduce incidence of common cold in general, but vitamin C reduced by half in population with physical and environment stresses. Vitamins C and E shortened duration and reduced severity of common cold. A large-dose vitamin A had no effect on recovery from pneumonia. Zinc improved clinical deterioration and pneumonia duration in under five. The effect on preventing COVID-19 morbidity and related-death was lacking. Conclusions. Although the effects of vitamins and zinc on ARIs including COVID-19 were inconclusive, taking these for a short period during pandemic may be beneficial when there is risks of deficiency.

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“…Rola cynku w utrzymaniu zdrowego układu odpornościowego może być podsumowana jako utrzymanie integralności barier błonowych, bezpośrednie działanie przeciwwirusowe, zmniejszenie stresu oksydacyjnego i ograniczenie uwalniania cytokin prozapalnych [10]. Uważa się, że podczas infekcji cynk hamuje zapalenie błony śluzowej nosa, a także hamuje wiązanie receptorów wirusowych i replikację w błonie śluzowej nosa [3]. W badaniach in vitro wykazano, że jonofory cynku mogą hamować replikację różnych koronawirusów [8].…”

A comprehensive insight into current control of COVID-19: Immunogenicity, vaccination, and treatment.

“…With no effective-approved treatment protocol, enhancing the immune system represents an ideal target for both COVID-19 prophylaxes and curing [202] . Zinc and vitamin C are common supplements in viral-influenza treatment that enhance the efficiency of the immune system against the infection.…”

“…In the same regard, a recent review asserted the inconclusive results of vitamins and mineral supplementation (vitamin A, E, C, and D with zinc) during COVID-19 infection. However, the authors encourage their administration for a short time, especially with the risk of their deficiency [215] . To date, there is insufficient data for the NIH panel to recommend either with or against the use of vitamins and zinc for the treatment of COVID-19 [117] .…”

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“…Vitamins C and E had been considerably authenticated to diminish lung infection in animals, and similar outcomes were obtained in geriatric patients. While, they had no advantage in children suffering from pneumonia (Murni et al 2021 ).…”