Zinc and COVID-19: Basis of Current Clinical Trials

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021 Aug;199(8):2882-2892. doi: 10.1007/s12011-020-02437-9. Epub 2020 Oct 22.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to threaten patients, societies, and economic and healthcare systems around the world. Like many other diseases, the host immune system determines the progress of COVID-19 and fatality. Modulation of inflammatory response and cytokine production using immunonutrition is a novel concept that has been applied to other diseases as well. Zinc, one of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant micronutrient found in food with well-established role in immunity, is currently being used in some clinical trials against COVID-19. This review integrates the contemporary studies of role of zinc in antiviral immunity along with discussing its potential role against COVID-19, and ongoing COVID-19 clinical trials using zinc.

Keywords: COVID-19; Clinical trials; Immunity; Zinc.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Zinc*

Substances

  • Zinc