Does zinc protect against the coronavirus? [WE EXPLAIN]

Zinc is present in the body in trace amounts, but nevertheless plays a very important role in it. Following the scientific rumor that it protects against the coronavirus, its shares skyrocketed. The question is whether it is right – it still remains open.

Zinc against COVID-19?

When, at the start of the pandemic, the respected American virologist Dr. James Robb, who has been dealing with coronaviruses for more than forty years, suggested that zinc should be taken as prophylaxis, no one bothered asking for scientific evidence that it was actually an effective weapon in the fight against COVID. 19.

1. See more: A virologist’s letter is circulating online. It advises you on how to prepare for an epidemic

Moreover, when it was made public that the supplement had been recommended to virus-infected President Trump, zinc preparations began to be purchased en masse in pharmacies around the world.

It is difficult to find a better recommendation even if the definitive scientific evidence that zinc is active against Sars-Cov-2 is lacking. While some studies show that it may limit the spread of viral infections, it is more true of common colds caused by certain rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. There is still no clear evidence that zinc reduces the severity of infection symptoms or the replication of any virus.

The role of zinc in the body

However, it has been established beyond any doubt that zinc deficiency in the body affects immunity disorders, and its supplementation is also recommended in the case of skin problems, disorders of the digestive, nervous and skeletal systems. It is worth checking its level when we suffer from chronic fatigue and concentration disorders.

Zinc is an important micronutrient that activates the work of nearly eighty enzymes. It affects the structure of proteins, the absorption of vitamins and cholesterol levels. It is a component of hormones and is important in the process of insulin synthesis. Affects the ability to see at night. It protects the macula from degeneration. Its deficiency can lead to anemia and hinder healing of wounds, even very small ones. Hair loss, problems with brittle nails, juvenile and rosacea acne are a commonly recognized indication that it may be missing in the body.

Zinc also helps in relieving the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. It is used to treat certain hearing disorders such as ringing in the ears, diabetes and hypothyroidism, and to treat mycoses. It is also known that zinc improves intellectual performance and affects fertility. It is important in building the immune response in the case of inflammation caused by microorganisms, even those causing infectious diseases.

Zinc deficiency in the body

One of the symptoms of its deficiency may be taste disturbances, which in the context of the coronovirus pandemic may not only be confusing but also worrying. However, these disorders go in two ways and involve losing or feeling too much of it. One of the symptoms is metallic saliva. Such long-lasting disturbances affect the pleasure of eating and appetite and, consequently, can lead to problems with proper nutrition.

Other signs that may indicate a deficiency include persistent dry mouth, decreased alcohol tolerance, dry skin that is difficult to control, hair loss, and decreased libido.

There are many causes of zinc deficiency. First of all, it’s a poorly balanced diet, excessive sugar and alcohol consumption, and vegetarianism. Secondly, intensive sports or pregnancy may also temporarily upset its balance due to the increased effort of the body and the demand for this element. Another cause may be malabsorption due to inflammation of the gut, celiac disease, diarrhea, or pancreatitis.

Usually, a properly balanced diet is sufficient to cover the requirement for zinc (3-12 mg daily depending on age and physical condition). The average requirement for men is 9,4 mg / day, and for women 6,8 mg / day. The best sources of it are products of animal origin: meat, oysters, crabs, liver, eggs, cheese, fish. But it is also found in rice, buckwheat, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Animal protein increases the absorption of zinc, which is why vegetarians and vegans should pay special attention to balancing their diets to avoid deficiencies.

Supplementing macronutrient deficiencies in the case of reduced immunity is very important. For this reason, we recommend a dietary supplement with calcium, magnesium and zinc to support the work of the immune system. It is available on Medonet Market in the form of tablets. To ensure you get the right dose of zinc for 4 months, choose a 50-PACK of Zinc XNUMX mg – supplementing your daily zinc requirement. You can also try Zinc SOLHERBS – a dietary supplement in ecological packaging and in the form of pullulan capsules.

How to supplement zinc?

However, zinc supplementation should be handled with caution. It is easy to overdose, and its excess also negatively affects health. It is dangerous to the kidneys and liver and can cause anemia.

When its concentration is too high in the blood serum, the bioavailability of other important elements such as calcium, iron, phosphorus and copper decreases. Zinc also interacts with other medications, so it is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist about including it in therapy.

The main symptom of excess is headache, nausea and stomach pains. Studies have found that women over 60 years of age who consume pork, beef and large amounts of grain products every day may be at risk of overdosing their daily requirements for this element.

Author: Irena Piekarska / Medexpress

This may interest you:

1. Signs you have already had COVID-19 and still haven’t recovered
2. Can healers continue to infect others?
3. Blood group and COVID-19. It is known who is least likely to be infected

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.