(NaturalHealth365) As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across Europe and the United States, accompanied by more and more deaths, the need for optimal immune system defense has never been more urgent. Now, a new review in Advances in Nutrition highlights the ability of zinc to improve immune function, while acting against a wide variety of dangerous viruses including hepatitis C, HIV and more.
Editor’s note: Dr. Vladmir Zelenko, a New York physician has been using zinc – as part of a highly successful (inexpensive) treatment protocol. Stay tuned … because I will be reporting on this more – in the near future.
Of course, scientists have long known that zinc can reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. But now it appears zinc can act against more serious viral diseases as well. So, today, let’s take a closer look at how this all works.
Zinc is antiviral on two different levels
Zinc, an essential mineral, is indispensable for cell division, growth and development. It also helps to produce hormones, break down carbohydrates from foods, and maintain the immune system.
A strong anti-inflammatory agent, zinc is also antioxidant – meaning that it has the power to scavenge and neutralize disease-causing free radicals. Research has shown that zinc fights viruses in two ways … by not only being a direct antiviral, but it stimulates antiviral activity.
A widespread nutritional problem among older Americans
According to Dr. Emily Ho, a professor at the College of Public Health and Human Services at Oregon State University, 12 percent of all Americans – a significant
chunk of the population – fail to obtain adequate zinc.
And, in those 65 and older – incidentally, the age group most susceptible to severe complications and poor outcomes from COVID-19 – the number vaults to a disturbing 40 percent!
Research has shown that zinc-deficient individuals are most at risk of developing viral infections. This is bad news at any time, of course – but is particularly dangerous in light of the current global coronavirus pandemic.
In a review published in Journal of Nutrition, researchers noted that zinc deficiency quickly diminishes cell-mediated responses, leading to increased opportunistic infections and mortality rates. In fact, in one study, 30 days of suboptimal zinc intake led to losses of 30 to 80 percent in defense capacity, including tumor defense and antibody-mediated responses.
People most at risk for zinc deficiency include the elderly, and those with IBD, leaky gut, or other digestive disorders. In addition, excessive alcohol use and certain medications – such as oral contraceptives – can deplete zinc levels as well.
Signs of zinc deficiency include frequent infections, fatigue, poor concentration, infertility and slow wound healing. Changes in sense of taste or smell, food cravings and hair loss can also be a warning sign.
Researchers discover a natural way to hinder viral replication
The good news: studies support the ability of zinc supplementation to boost immune status. Short periods of zinc supplementation have been shown to substantially improve immune defense in individuals with HIV and chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
Even more impressive, however, is zinc’s activity against specific viruses – and its ability to interfere with viral replication cycle and genome transcription. In other words, zinc inhibits the ability of viruses to reproduce and spread.
In an extensive review of studies published in Advances in Nutrition, the authors reported that zinc caused a reduction in viral load in cases of respiratory syncytial virus – and inhibited viral RNA and protein synthesis in a gastroenteritis virus.
This virus-fighting micronutrient was also shown in clinical trials to reduce the duration and severity of herpes simplex outbreaks, to decrease markers of inflammation in hepatitis C, and to reduce infection and increase CD4 T cell count in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
Clearly, zinc is effective against some viral “heavy hitters!” By the way, zinc has also been shown to inhibit SARS, a virus closely related to COVID-19.
And, in trial after trial, zinc reduced the severity, frequency and duration of symptoms of the common cold.
In a landmark study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, zinc gluconate lozenges were taken every two hours by participants suffering from the common cold. After a week, 86 percent of the 37 zinc-treated subjects were free of cold symptoms, compared with only 46 percent of the placebo-treated participants.
A powerful way to BOOST the immune defense of elderly people
While declining immune system strength is a consequence of advancing age, studies show that zinc supplementation may be able to help “recharge” the body’s defenses. In one double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 53 participants over age 65 with low zinc status were given either 30 mg of zinc or a placebo containing only 5 mg of zinc for three months.
The team found that the group that received the 30-mg dosage of zinc displayed a significant increase in their levels of infection-fighting T cells. The scientists concluded that “zinc supplementation could play an important role in improving immunity and preventing infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, in the elderly.”
Don’t forget how “optimal levels” can help you AVOID chronic illness
The Office of Dietary Supplements advises that men should get 11 mg of zinc a day, while women should get 8 mg. You can boost your dietary intake of zinc with grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, organic chickpeas, cage-free eggs, cashews and pumpkin seeds.
Zinc is available as a supplement in lozenges, capsules, syrups, tablets or (even better) liposomal form. Of course, we suggest you consult with your integrative healthcare provider before adding zinc to your daily routine.
Keep in mind: excessive amounts of zinc can cause unwanted side effects like nausea, diarrhea and a copper deficiency.
The bottom line: healthy levels of zinc are crucial for proper immune function – and for all-important defense against dangerous viral infections. We just have to be smart about getting the right amount.
Sources for this article include:NIH.gov
NIH.gov
MayoClinic.org
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