The Potential Impact of Zinc Supplementation on COVID-19 Pathogenesis

Abstract

During the current corona pandemic, new therapeutic options against this viral disease are urgently desired. Due to the rapid spread and immense number of affected individuals worldwide, cost-effective, globally available, and safe options with minimal side effects and simple application are extremely warranted. This review will therefore discuss the potential of zinc as preventive and therapeutic agent alone or in combination with other strategies, as zinc meets all the above described criteria. While a variety of data on the association of the individual zinc status with viral and respiratory tract infections are available, study evidence regarding COVID-19 is so far missing but can be assumed as was indicated by others and is detailed in this perspective, focusing on re-balancing of the immune response by zinc supplementation. Especially, the role of zinc in viral-induced vascular complications has barely been discussed, so far. Interestingly, most of the risk groups described for COVID-19 are at the same time groups that were associated with zinc deficiency. As zinc is essential to preserve natural tissue barriers such as the respiratory epithelium, preventing pathogen entry, for a balanced function of the immune system and the redox system, zinc deficiency can probably be added to the factors predisposing individuals to infection and detrimental progression of COVID-19. Finally, due to its direct antiviral properties, it can be assumed that zinc administration is beneficial for most of the population, especially those with suboptimal zinc status.

COVID-19: Poor outcomes in patients with zinc deficiency

“…Zinc supplements are traditionally prescribed for common cold ailments, usually caused by coronaviruses. Zinc supplements have been associated with a shortened duration of symptoms, reduced severity of illness, and more importantly with reduced morbidity and mortality in children (Wessels et al, 2020).…”

Zinc and Vitamin a Deficiency Predisposes to the Need for Intubation and Icu Admission in Patients With COVID-19. An Observational Study

“…A large number of patients develop ARSD accompanied by alveolar leak, leading to alveolar and interstitial edema with very limited oxygen exchange [49]. Zinc supplementation improves mucocilary clearance, strengthens epithelial integrity, reduces viral replication and lessens the risk of hyperinflammation, which includes an antioxidant effect while reducing lung damage and minimizing secondary infections [50].…”

Importance of Dietary Changes During the Coronavirus Pandemic: How to Upgrade Your Immune Response

“…Zinc deficiency also impairs survival, proliferation, and maturation of monocytes, NK cells, T and B cells, phagocytosis by macrophages and neutrophils, as well as antibody responses to T cell-dependent antigens (181,182). It has been shown that correction of zinc deficiency boosts the defense-related immune system, and reduces mortality from infectious diseases and viral infections (222,232). From several controlled studies, it is clear that daily dietary supplementation of zinc for the elderly and children at high risk for zinc deficiency, is protective against infection and is associated with a decrease in mortality from infections in these populations (233)(234)(235)(236)(237).…”