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Conditions where zinc has shown potential benefits

1. Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs):


Common Cold: Several studies suggest that zinc lozenges or supplements, when taken within 24-48 hours of symptom onset, may reduce the duration and severity of the common cold. Zinc may interfere with the rhinovirus's ability to multiply and attach to nasal passages.

Pneumonia: Zinc deficiency is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia, especially in children. Some studies, particularly in developing countries, have shown that zinc supplementation may reduce the incidence and severity of pneumonia in children. However, results have been mixed, and more research is needed.   

Bronchiolitis: Contradictory evidence exists regarding zinc's role in bronchiolitis. Some studies found no benefit of zinc supplementation in improving the clinical manifestations of acute bronchiolitis in young children.

COVID-19: Research on zinc's role in COVID-19 is ongoing and has yielded inconsistent results. Some studies suggest that zinc deficiency is associated with more severe disease and longer hospitalization, while others have not found a causal relationship. The NIH recommends zinc supplementation for COVID-19 only within the context of clinical trials due to insufficient evidence for generalized use.

Why zinc is beneficial for RTIs:


Immune Modulation: Zinc supports the development and function of various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, which are crucial for fighting off respiratory viruses.

Antiviral Activity: In vitro studies suggest that zinc may have direct antiviral effects against some respiratory viruses, including rhinoviruses and SARS-CoV-2, by inhibiting their replication.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Zinc can help regulate the inflammatory response in the airways, potentially reducing the severity of symptoms.

Maintenance of Epithelial Barriers: Zinc is important for the integrity of the epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract, which act as a physical barrier against pathogens.

2. Diarrheal Diseases:


The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend zinc supplementation as part of the management of diarrheal diseases in children, particularly in developing countries. Zinc has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea and may also help prevent future episodes.   

Recommended dose for helping in infections, for zinc, in adults is upto around 40 mg per day.

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