COVID-19 is a global public health distress triggered by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and represents a significant danger to healthcare worldwide.

Zinc has the potential to be a supportive treatment in COVID-19 patients owing to its anti-viral and immunomodulatory properties.

Zinc is a key trace mineral, involved in many biological processes including immunity and it is vital in both the innate and acquired responses to viral infection. Deficiency of Zinc significantly increases pro-inflammatory cytokines and remodeling of lung tissue is noted, an effect which was partially countered by zinc supplements.

Zinc supplementation is able to decrease COVID-19 related symptoms such as lower respiratory tract infection.

Zinc deficiency decreases lymphocyte counts and weakens their function; in fact, zinc supplementation increases the number of T cells and NK cells and increases IL-2 and soluble IL-2 receptor expression. Zinc has been shown to inhibit the synthesis, replication and transcription complex of coronaviruses. It can also interfere directly with viral replication and protein synthesis, providing beneficial and therapeutic effects against viral infections.

Source: Shakoor H, Feehan J, Al Dhaheri AS, et al. Immune-boosting role of vitamins D, C, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids: Could they help against COVID-19?. Maturitas. 2021;143:1-9. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.08.003