Zinc and its role in respiratory infections

Respiratory infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses and include a wide range of conditions, such as the common cold, flu and coranavirus infection.

Researchers are constantly conducting studies to find more alternative therapies that help reduce or treat the symptoms of a respiratory infection.

A recent study, published in the journal BMJ Open, states that zinc supplements can help reduce the symptoms (sore throat, runny nose, cough) of airway infections but also help prevent them.

Zinc and COVID-19

During the present pandemic great interest was developed in the role of zinc in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease.

That is why the research community has studied the role of the metal in respiratory infections and more specifically in the course of infection with the new coronavirus.

Recent study

Researchers at Western Sydney University conducted a meta-analysis of 28 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 5,446 adults. The results were published in 17 English and Chinese research databases as of August 2020.

The most common forms of supplements examined were lozenges, nasal sprays and rapidly absorbing sublingual tablets in the form of zinc acetate and gluconate. Of the 28 studies, only three did not include placebo.

It is worth noting that despite the research, none of the tests used in the meta-analysis studied the use of zinc for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

The researchers found that:

• The use of zinc by mouth or nose (in the form of nasal spray) prevented five respiratory infections per 100 people per month.
• The symptoms of a respiratory infection subsided about 2 days earlier in people who took a sublingual tablet or nasal spray with zinc, compared with people who took placebo.
• Zinc intake did not affect the intensity of symptoms on a daily basis, however, a reduction in the severity of symptoms was observed on the third day of illness.

Side effects, including nausea and / or vomiting, were about 40% more likely to occur in participants taking zinc supplements. Of course, in the 25 trials that were examined, no serious side effects were observed.

Although further research is needed, the researchers believe their study finds that zinc can be used as a natural alternative for faster recovery from upper respiratory tract infections.

At Vita4you.gr you will find a great variety of zinc supplements!

Source

Zinc might help to stave off respiratory infection symptoms and cut illness duration