Statistically significant lower risk is seen for mortality, ventilation, hospitalization, progression, recovery, and viral clearance. 18 studies from 18 independent teams in 9 countries show statistically significant improvements.
Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 27% [17‑36%] lower risk. Results are similar for Randomized Controlled Trials, higher quality studies, peer-reviewed studies, and after excluding studies using combined treatment.
17 sufficiency studies analyze outcomes based on serum levels, showing 74% [64‑81%] lower risk for patients with higher zinc levels.
Results are robust — in exclusion sensitivity analysis 19 of 44 studies must be excluded to avoid finding statistically significant efficacy in pooled analysis.
8 studies use combined treatments. After exclusion the risk reduction is 26% [15‑35%] compared to 27% [17‑36%].
5 RCTs with 1,040 patients have not reported results (up to 3 years late).
The European Food Safety Authority has found evidence for a causal relationship between the intake of zinc and optimal immune system function Galmés, Galmés (B). Over-supplementation may be detrimental karger.com. Bioaccessibility of supplements varies widely Ośko.
No treatment or intervention is 100% effective. All practical, effective, and safe means should be used based on risk/benefit analysis. Multiple treatments are typically used in combination, and other treatments are more effective. The quality of non-prescription supplements can vary widely Crawford, Crighton.
All data to reproduce this paper and sources are in the appendix. Other meta analyses show significant improvements with zinc for mortality Abuhelwa, Olczak-Pruc, Rheingold, Tabatabaeizadeh, Xie, severity Fan, and cases Fan.
Covid Analysis et al., Apr 2024, preprint, 1 author.
