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Zinc for COVID-19
40 studies with >50,000 patients
Serious outcome risk
Zinc
Control
Significantly lower risk for mortality, hospitalization, progression, recovery, and viral clearance.
19 studies from 18 teams in 9 countries show significant benefit.
COVID-19 Zinc studies · October 2026
The European Food Safety Authority has found evidence for a causal relationship between the intake of zinc and optimal immune system function1,2. Over-supplementation may be detrimental3. Bioaccessibility of supplements varies widely4. Dietary sources may be preferred, where other food-matrix components have been shown to enhance absorption. For non-diet sources, zinc picolinate may be the best form, with the highest and most diet-independent bioaccessibility5. Zinc was adopted in 23 countries. Recent:
Hosseini
Tyson
Younes
McLindon.
Covid Analysis Zinc reduces COVID-19 risk: real-time meta-analysis of 40 studies (Version 78)
Significantly lower risk is seen for mortality, hospitalization, progression, recovery, and viral clearance. 19 studies from 18 independent teams in 9 countries show significant benefit. Meta-analysis using the most serious outcome report..
Aug 26
 Hosseini et al., medRxiv, doi:10.64898/2026.08.21.26360704 Efficacy of antioxidant therapy in mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection: A pilot experimental arm of the CanTreatCOVID adaptive platform trial
52% lower hospitalization (p=0.38) and 42% improved recovery (p=0.13). RCT 81 outpatients showing ~2-3x higher odds of favorable recovery outcomes with antioxidant treatment (selenium 300 µg, zinc 40 mg, lycopene 45 mg, vitamin C 1.5 g). With 81 patients the trial is too small to reach statistical significan..
Apr 8
 Younes, S., Next Research, doi:10.1016/j.nexres.2026.101727 The influence of micronutrients on olfactory dysfunction associated with COVID-19 and long COVID
Review of the influence of micronutrients on olfactory dysfunction associated with COVID-19 and long COVID. Author investigates how dietary supplements like vitamins A, B, C, D, E, zinc, and alpha-lipoic acid can help restore the sense of..
Feb 16
 McLindon et al., American Journal of Therapeutics, doi:10.1097/MJT.0000000000002118 Safety and Tolerability of Multimodal Therapy (Ivermectin, Doxycycline, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc) With or Without Famotidine in Australian Patients With COVID-19 Infection: A Pilot Cohort Trial
RCT 275 outpatients showing very low hospitalization with combination therapy including ivermectin, doxycycline, vitamin C, vitamin D3, and zinc, with or without famotidine. There was no control group. Only 4 patients were hospitalized wi..
Feb 4
 Li et al., Targetome, doi:10.48130/targetome-0026-0006 Multi-Omics Integration Identifies MT2A as a Biomarker and a Candidate Host Target Linking Zinc Dysregulation to COVID-19 Mortality
Meta-analysis and multi-omics study showing reduced mortality with zinc supplementation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Authors found that zinc treatment was associated with a significant reduction in mortality (OR 0.48) across seven s..
Dec 27
2025
 Tokarczyk et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu18010094 Influence of Diet on the Bioaccessibility of Zn from Dietary Supplements: Findings from an In Vitro Digestion Model and Analytical Determinations
In vitro study showing that zinc supplementation bioaccessibility varies significantly based on diet type and zinc chemical form using simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Authors found that zinc picolinate demonstrated the highest bioac..
Nov 11
2025
 McPherson et al., Nutrition in Clinical Practice, doi:10.1002/ncp.70070 Serum zinc level independently predicts need for inpatient intubation among patients hospitalized with COVID‐19: A prospective observational study
Prospective observational study of 99 hospitalized COVID-19 patients showing that lower zinc levels independently predicted the need for intubation. In multivariable analysis, each 1 µg/dl increase in zinc level reduced intubation odds by..
Oct 23
2025
 Smail et al., Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, doi:10.3389/fmolb.2025.1700263 Antioxidant and oxidative enzymes, genetic variants, and cofactors as prognostic biomarkers of COVID-19 severity and mortality: a systematic review
Review of oxidative stress biomarkers as prognostic indicators of COVID-19 severity and mortality through analysis of 146 studies encompassing enzymatic, genetic, and micronutrient determinants. Authors report that selenium and zinc defic..
Oct 7
2025
 Adhora et al., Discover Social Science and Health, doi:10.1007/s44155-025-00303-4 The role of diet and micronutrient supplementation in COVID-19 recovery: a cross-sectional survey of Bangladeshi patients
Retrospective 384 COVID-19 patients in Bangladesh showing shorter recovery time associated with the use of vitamin C, D, and zinc, balanced diet intake, and normal BMI.
Oct 2
2025
 Yarahmadi et al., Clinical Chemistry, doi:10.1093/clinchem/hvaf086.312 The Clinical Significance of Zinc to Copper Ratio in the Early Management of COVID-19 and its Association with Disease Severity and Mortality
Retrospective 220 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 220 healthy controls showing that COVID-19 patients had significantly lower zinc levels, and that patients that died had significantly lower zinc levels than surviving patients.
Sep 16
2025
 Bleffgen et al., Frontiers in Nutrition, doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1608300 Micronutrient status and fatty acid profile of adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection—an observational study
Retrospective 139 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (62 hospitalized, 77 home care) and 314 healthy controls showing alterations in fatty acid profiles but similar overall micronutrient levels compared to controls. When stratified by disease s..
Jul 31
2025
 Hazan et al., American Journal of Infectious Diseases, doi:10.3844/ajidsp.2026.4.26 (date from preprint) Rapid Recovery of Peripheral Oxygen Saturation in Hypoxic COVID-19 Patients With Ivermectin/Doxycycline/Zinc Multidrug Therapy
Retrospective 26 consecutive severe COVID-19 outpatients with hypoxia (25 with SpO2 ≤90%) showing rapid oxygen saturation recovery and survival with ivermectin/doxycycline/zinc/vitamin C/vitamin D combination therapy. All 24 patients comp..
Jul 29
2025
 Nafisah et al., Jurnal Inovasi Bahan Lokal dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat, doi:10.34011/jibpm.v4i1.3399 Overview of Iron and Zinc Intake in COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Students at Poltekkes Kemenkes Bandung
76% fewer cases (p=0.005). Case control study with 70 students in Indonesia. For zinc, 67% of those with deficient intake had COVID-19 compared to 32% with sufficient intake.
Jul 22
2025
 Paul Jackson, C., Zenodo, doi:10.5281/zenodo.16325841 Micronutrientes esenciales en la evolución clínica del SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes hospitalizados
Observational study of 15 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Peru showing significant inverse correlations between the intake of zinc, selenium, and vitamin C with both lung damage and oxygen requirements.
Apr 22
2025
 Gómez-Zorrilla et al., Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127778 (date from preprint) Zinc adjuvant treatment in SARS-CoV-2: a randomized clinical trial
76% lower progression (p=0.05) and 40% improved recovery (p=0.08). RCT 71 hospitalized COVID-19 patients showing significantly lower disease progression with zinc treatment. The zinc group also demonstrated shorter mean recovery time and greater WHO scale improvement at day 14. Antibody levels were highe..
Apr 16
2025
 Morello et al., Italian Journal of Pediatrics, doi:10.1186/s13052-025-01961-5 Role of nutrient supplements in children with post-COVID condition: a retrospective preliminary observation and narrative review
Retrospective 1,243 children with COVID-19 showing lower risk of long COVID at 6 months when treated with a Multi-Element Product (MEP) containing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds (magnesium 200 mg, quercetin 150 mg, curcumin ..
Apr 11
2025
 Raspado et al., JMIR Formative Research, doi:10.2196/66509 Oxidative Stress Markers and Prediction of Severity With a Machine Learning Approach in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 and Severe Lung Disease: Observational, Retrospective, Single-Center Feasibility Study
Retrospective 28 hospitalized COVID-19 patients showing an association between oxidative stress biomarkers and disease severity. Lower zinc and thiol levels, higher Cu/Zn ratios, and increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) ..
Mar 25
2025
 Perestiuk et al., Frontiers in Nutrition, doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1566505 Association of zinc deficiency and clinical symptoms, inflammatory markers, severity of COVID-19 in hospitalized children
280% higher severe cases (p=1). Prospective study of 140 hospitalized children with COVID-19 in Ukraine showing that zinc deficiency associated with higher inflammatory markers. While there was a trend toward more frequent fever (p=0.0654) with deficiency, there was no ..
Mar 25
2025
 Gkioulekas et al., The Japanese Journal of Antibiotics, doi:10.11553/antibiotics.78.1_35 Critical appraisal of multidrug therapy in the ambulatory management of patients with COVID-19 and hypoxemia Part II: Causal inference using the Bradford Hill criteria
Critical appraisal of three case series totaling 119 COVID-19 patients with hypoxemia treated with ivermectin-based multidrug protocols in the United States, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, showing reduced hospitalization and mortality. Authors ap..
Mar 25
2025
 Gkioulekas, Ph.D. et al., The Japanese Journal of Antibiotics, doi:10.11553/antibiotics.78.1_2 Critical appraisal of multidrug therapy in the ambulatory management of patients with COVID-19 and hypoxemia Part I. Evidence supporting the strength of association
Critical appraisal of 119 COVID-19 hypoxemic patients treated with ivermectin-based multidrug protocols in the United States, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, showing significant hospitalization rate reduction and mortality rate reduction compared ..
Mar 14
2025
 Brandão et al., Frontiers in Nutrition, doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1549747 Vaccination and food consumption: association with Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome in Brazilian adults (CUME Study)
34% lower long COVID (p=0.01). Analysis of 2,065 Brazilian adults participating in the CUME study showing that higher intake of vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, white meat, and vegetables were associated with lower risk of long COVID.
Mar 4
2025
 Kafeshani et al., Journal of Health System Research, doi:10.48305/jhsr.v21i1.1579 Investigating the Relationship between Food Intake and Severity of COVID-19 Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Cross-sectional study of 3,018 hospitalized (moderate and severe) and 717 outpatient (mild) COVID-19 patients showing differences in nutritional intake associated with disease severity. Patients requiring hospitalization had significantly..
Feb 26
2025
 Muniz et al., PLOS ONE, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0316807 Efficacy of regular gargling with a cetylpyridinium chloride plus zinc containing mouthwash can reduce upper respiratory symptoms
Non-COVID-19 specific RCT with 150 participants in Brazil showing reduced frequency (21.5% lower) and severity (11% lower) of upper respiratory symptoms with twice-daily gargling using a mouthwash containing 0.075% cetylpyridinium chlorid..
Jan 16
2025
 Sanduzzi Zamparelli et al., Life, doi:10.3390/life15010113 Immune-Boosting and Antiviral Effects of Antioxidants in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Therapeutic Perspective
Review of immune-boosting and antiviral effects of antioxidants in COVID-19 pneumonia. Authors provide an overview of the literature on the use of antioxidants, including vitamins, trace elements, ozone, glutathione, L-carnitine, melatoni..
Jan 6
2025
 Raval et al., Cureus, doi:10.7759/cureus.77011 Zinc Deficiency Associated With an Increase in Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Meta-analysis showing significantly higher COVID-19 mortality and symptomatology with zinc deficiency.
Dec 31
2024
 Mohamed et al., The Medical Journal of Cairo University, doi:10.21608/mjcu.2024.411836 Nutritional Assessment of Critically Ill Children with COVID-19 Admitted to PICU
80% lower mortality (p=0.004). Retrospective 60 hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 patients showing deficiencies in vitamin D, folic acid (B9), zinc, and selenium associated with higher mortality.
Dec 1
2024
 Kızılet et al., Ain Shams Medical Journal, doi:10.21608/asmj.2024.311563.1297 The Relationship Between Zinc Levels, Length of Hospital Stay, and Mortality in Intensive Care Unit of COVID-19 Patients
Cross-sectional study of 153 COVID-19 patients and 78 healthy controls showing significantly lower serum zinc levels in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals, and an inverse relationship between zinc levels and ICU admission.
Nov 18
2024
 Pashaei et al., Journal of Comprehensive Pediatrics, doi:10.5812/jcp-149127 The Association Between COVID-19 Infection Severity and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Children
33% lower severe cases (p=0.21). Analysis of 85 pediatric patients (33 healthy controls, 25 mild COVID-19, 27 severe COVID-19), showing significantly lower serum zinc levels in severe COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Severe cases had higher prevalence of z..
Nov 13
2024
 Lee et al., Scientific Reports, doi:10.1038/s41598-024-78538-5 Elimination of olfactory sensory neurons by zinc sulfate inoculation prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection of the brain in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice
Mouse study showing that zinc sulfate protects K18-hACE2 transgenic mice from lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection by preventing viral transmission to the brain via the olfactory nerve pathway. Authors found that mice lacking olfactory sensory neu..
Nov 11
2024
 Fazli et al., Journal of Medical Bacteriology, 12:4 Possible Link between Gut Microbiota, Diet, and COVID-19 Infection
Review of the relationship between gut microbiota, diet, and COVID-19 infection. Authors analyze how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects gut microbiota composition and how dietary factors may influence disease outcomes. Studies show COVID-19 pat..
Nov 1
2024
 Avella et al., NCT05783180 A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Sesderma LACTYFERRIN™ Forte and Sesderma ZINC Defense™ (Liposomal Bovine Lactoferrin (LbLf) and Liposomal Zn (LZn)) and Standard of Care (SOC) vs SOC in the Treatment of Non-hospitalized Patients With COVID-19
Estimated 40 patient zinc early treatment RCT with results not reported over 1.5 years after estimated completion.
Oct 16
2024
 Matsumoto et al., International Journal of General Medicine, doi:10.2147/IJGM.S476578 Association Between Serum Zinc Concentration Levels And Severity Of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) In Japanese Inpatients
72% lower severe cases (p=0.002). Retrospective 467 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Japan showing significantly higher risk of severe cases with zinc deficiency.
Oct 16
2024
 Hung et al., Cureus, doi:10.7759/cureus.71609 Zinc Deficiency and Post-acute Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19: A Six-Month Retrospective Cohort Analysis of 3,726 Patients
42% lower mortality (p=0.05) and 24% lower hospitalization (p<0.0001). TriNetX PSM retrospective 3,726 post-acute COVID-19 patients showing significantly higher 6-month all-cause hospitalization and mortality with zinc deficiency. Zinc levels were measured in the three months before COVID-19 diagnosis.
Oct 5
2024
 Anber et al., Reports of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 13:2 Assessment of Oxidative Stress Parameters in Iraqi Male Patients with Covid-19; A Case Control Study
Analysis of 50 symptomatic COVID-19 patients (25 ICU and 25 non-ICU) and 25 healthy controls, showing significantly lower vitamin C, zinc, and selenium levels in COVID-19 patients versus healthy controls, and in ICU patients versus non-IC..
Sep 24
2024
 Grosman-Dziewiszek et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu16193225 Patterns of Dietary Supplement Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland: Focus on Vitamin D and Magnesium
Survey of 926 Polish pharmacy patients showing a high prevalence of dietary supplemention during the COVID-19 pandemic, with vitamin D and magnesium being the most commonly used. Supplement use was significantly higher among women, those ..
Sep 16
2024
 Mu et al., Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, doi:10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101422 Anti-inflammatory and Nutritional Interventions Against SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Review
Review of anti-inflammatory and nutritional interventions against SARS-CoV-2. Authors emphasize the importance of a healthy immune response in reducing the severity of COVID-19, especially in high-risk groups like the elderly and those wi..
Sep 2
2024
 Secerlı et al., Toxicology Research, doi:10.1093/toxres/tfae177 Effects of Immunotoxicity biomarkers, essential elements and vitamin D levels on the severity levels of COVID-19 disease in Turkey
Analysis of 52 COVID-19 patients and 20 healthy controls, showing lower vitamin D, zinc, and selenium levels associated with COVID-19 progression.
Aug 6
2024
 Al-Fartusie et al., Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, doi:10.1007/s12291-024-01254-4 Comparison of Serum Zn, Cu, Mg, Mn, Cr, and Fe Levels in Iraqi COVID-19 Patients and their Association with Infection Severity
Retrospective 78 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 40 healthy controls, showing significantly lower zinc levels in COVID-19 patients. There was no significant difference for moderate vs. severe patients.
Aug 1
2024
 Hasan Anber et al., Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, doi:10.61186/rbmb.13.2.167 Assessment of Oxidative Stress Parameters in Iraqi Male Patients with COVID-19; A Case Control Study
Case-control study of 50 COVID-19 patients and 25 healthy controls, showing significantly lower zinc, selenium, and vitamins C levels in COVID-19 patients versus healthy controls, and in ICU patients versus non-ICU patients.
Jul 24
2024
 Ferreira et al., Bioscience Reports, doi:10.1042/BSR20240617 Boosting Immunity: Synergistic Antiviral Effects of Luteolin, Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Zinc Against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro
In vitro and in silico study showing synergistic antiviral effects of luteolin, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Authors found that luteolin inhibited SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro with an IC50 of 78 μM, which decreased 10-fo..
Jul 5
2024
 AlKhuzaie et al., Problems of Virology, doi:10.36233/0507-4088-236 Electrolytes, Zinc and Vitamin D3 in COVID-19 Patients with Cardiovascular Complications
Retrospective 142 COVID-19 patients and 50 controls showing significantly lower levels of zinc, vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and sodium in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Lower levels of zinc, vitamin D, calcium, and sodium were..
May 10
2024
 Hazan et al., Cureus, doi:10.7759/cureus.60038 Bifidobacterium Against COVID-19: A Mother and Her Newborn’s Gut Microbiome
Case report of a mother and her newborn infected with COVID-19 within two weeks of the baby's birth. Authors propose that the disease course was altered by maternal supplementation of vitamins C and D and zinc starting after exposure on d..
Apr 30
2024
 Milan et al., Acta Medica Philippina, doi:10.47895/amp.v58i7.8392 Factors Associated with Adverse Outcomes among SARS-CoV-2 Positive Children in a Tertiary Government COVID-19 Referral Hospital in the Philippines
56% lower mortality (p=0.09), 13% lower ventilation (p=0.67), and 10% lower ICU admission (p=0.84). Retrospective 180 hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 patients in the Philippines showing lower mortality with vitamin D and zinc, and higher mortality with remdesivir, all without statistical significance. Remdesivir was given to few patient..
Apr 19
2024
 Jin et al., Frontiers in Nutrition, doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1385591 The nutritional roles of zinc for immune system and COVID-19 patients
Review of zinc for the immune system and COVID-19. Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a critical role in the immune system, immune cell function, and cell signaling. Authors discuss the importance of zinc in human health, zinc ..
Apr 16
2024
 Agamah et al., ScienceOpen, doi:10.58647/DRUGARXIV.PR000010.v1 Network-based multi-omics-disease-drug associations reveal drug repurposing candidates for COVID-19 disease phases
In silico study identifying potential drugs beneficial for COVID-19 by integrating transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and drug data. Authors explore interactions between drugs, molecular features, and disease severity...
Apr 5
2024
 Lockwood, T., BioMetals, doi:10.1007/s10534-024-00590-5 Coordination chemistry suggests that independently observed benefits of metformin and Zn2+ against COVID-19 are not independent
In silico analysis suggesting potential benefits of metformin and zinc for COVID-19. Author proposes that metformin can form a complex with zinc ions, increasing zinc bioavailability, and that the metformin-zinc complex may slow viral mul..
Apr 5
2024
 Noce et al., Pharmaceuticals, doi:10.3390/ph17040463 Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Fatigue Effects of an Oral Food Supplement in Long COVID Patients
RCT of 33 long COVID outpatients showing anti-inflammatory and anti-fatigue effects with treatment based on Echinacea angustifolia, rosehip, propolis, royal jelly, and zinc. The treatment significantly reduced inflammatory biomarkers like..
Mar 24
2024
 Mosadegh et al., AMB Express, doi:10.1186/s13568-024-01690-8 NBS superfood: a promising adjunctive therapy in critically ill ICU patients with omicron variant of COVID-19
RCT 400 critically ill ICU patients with omicron-related ARDS showing significantly reduced mortality and inflammatory markers with a nutritional supplement containing vitamins A, B1-B3, B5, B6, B9, C, D, K, and zinc, potassium, manganese..
Mar 15
2024
 Kim et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu16060850 Increasing Natural Killer Cell Activity of Mineral Nanomaterial ALP1018 in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Comparative Clinical Trial
RCT 80 healthy adults in Korea showing increased natural killer cell activity with ALP1018, a nanomineral supplement containing iron and zinc. The study found a statistically significant increase in NK cell activity at an E:T ratio of 50:..
Mar 8
2024
 Fujita et al., Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy, doi:10.1016/j.jiac.2024.03.007 Zinc deficiency is a potential risk factor for COVID-19 progression to pneumonia requiring oxygen therapy
86% lower need for oxygen therapy (p=0.007). Retrospective 60 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Japan showing higher risk of progression to pneumonia requiring oxygen therapy with zinc deficiency at the time of diagnosis.
Mar 4
2024
 Seifi et al., BMC Nutrition, doi:10.1186/s40795-024-00821-5 Dietary mineral intakes predict Coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence and hospitalization in older adults
31% lower hospitalization (p=0.02). Analysis of 1,957 older adults showing lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalization with higher dietary zinc intake. Each unit increase in zinc intake was associated with a 31% reduction in the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization after adjustments..
Jan 29
2024
 Rozemeijer et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu16030385 Micronutrient Status of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia
Prospective pilot study of 20 critically ill COVID-19 ICU patients showing high deficiency rates of 50-100% for vitamins A, B6, and D; zinc; and selenium at admission. Deficiencies of vitamins B6 and D, and low iron status, persisted afte..
Jan 2
2024
 El-Megharbel et al., PeerJ, doi:10.7717/peerj.15638 Chemical and spectroscopic characterization of (Artemisinin/Quercetin/ Zinc) novel mixed ligand complex with assessment of its potent high antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and antioxidant capacity against toxicity induced by acrylamide in male rats
In vitro and animal study showing that a novel artemisinin/quercetin/zinc (Art/Q/Zn) complex exhibits potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity (IC50 = 10.14 μg/ml) without cytotoxicity (CC50 = 208.5 μg/ml). The complex alleviates acrylamide-induce..
Dec 22
2023
 Bess et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology, doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1297924 Identification of oral therapeutics using an AI platform against the virus responsible for COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2
In silico study showing potential benefit of mebendazole and zinc against SARS-CoV-2 according to an AI platform, eVir, designed to identify repurposed oral therapies. The software pipeline analyzes drug impacts on protein-protein network..
Oct 31
2023
 Briassoulis et al., Antioxidants, doi:10.3390/antiox12111942 The Anti-Oxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Apoptotic, and Anti-Necroptotic Role of Zinc in COVID-19 and Sepsis
Review of the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-necroptotic role of zinc in COVID-19 and sepsis. Authors discuss how zinc functions as a structural component in proteins, a catalytic co-factor in enzymes, and pla..
Oct 6
2023
 Ahmed et al., International Journal of Diabetes Management, doi:10.61797/ijdm.v2i2.259 Evaluation of the Effect of Zinc, Quercetin, Bromelain and Vitamin C on COVID-19 Patients
Case series of 22 hospitalized COVID-19 patients showing that a combination of quercetin 800mg, bromelain 165mg, zinc acetate 50mg and vitamin C 1g daily for 3-5 days was safe when given with other treatments. Authors include in silico mo..
Sep 22
2023
 Seely et al., BMJ Open, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073761 Dietary supplements to reduce symptom severity and duration in people with SARS-CoV-2: a double-blind randomised controlled trial
14% improved recovery (p=0.41). Early terminated low-risk population (no hospitalization) very late treatment (mean 8 days) RCT with 44 patients treated with vitamin C, D, K, and zinc, and 46 control patients, showing no significant differences. Authors acknowledge that..
Aug 31
2023
 Tran et al., In Vivo, doi:10.21873/invivo.13313 A Prospective Study of AFree Oral Spray as an Adjuvant Therapy for Mild and Moderate COVID-19 in Community Health Stations: Clinical Progression and Viral Clearance Outcomes
RCT 1,252 mild/moderate COVID-19 patients Vietnam, showing faster recovery and faster viral clearance with an oral spray containing zinc, propolis, xylitol, ginger, and DMSO. 5-10 times per day.
Aug 10
2023
 Chen et al., Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127278 Effects of vitamin D and zinc deficiency in acute and long COVID syndrome
Retrospective 55 patients with long COVID, showing zinc deficiency correlated with acute and persistent inflammation.
Aug 9
2023
 Herrera-Quintana et al., Metabolites, doi:10.3390/metabo13080931 Evolution of Status of Trace Elements and Metallothioneins in Patients with COVID-19: Relationship with Clinical, Biochemical, and Inflammatory Parameters
Prospective study of 86 critical COVID-19 patients in Spain showing that low zinc levels were predictive of severity. There was a high prevalence of zinc deficiency.
Aug 2
2023
 Winn et al., PLOS ONE, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0288285 Effect of any form of steroids in comparison with that of other medications on the duration of olfactory dysfunction in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review of randomized trials and quasi-experimental studies
Review of the effects of various treatment options and interventions for COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction. Authors analyzed 21 studies with a total of 130,550 patients to compare the efficacy of corticosteroid treatments with other ..
Jul 26
2023
 Wozniak et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu15153308 Association of Trace Element Levels with Outcomes in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
47% lower mortality (p=0.3) and 62% lower progression (p=0.06). Retrospective 345 COVID-19 patients in Switzerland, showing significantly different zinc levels with ICU patients < hospitalized patients < outpatients. For ICU patients, there was higher mortality, septic shock, and mechanical ventilatio..
Jul 18
2023
 İşler et al., Life and Medical Sciences, doi:10.54584/lms.2023.39 Evaluation of the Serum Zinc Level in Patients Followed in Hospital with the Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Samsun Province, Türkiye
88% fewer cases (p=0.04). Retrospective 51 COVID-19 patients and 26 healthy controls in Turkey, showing significantly lower zinc levels in COVID-19 patients, and zinc deficiency associated with COVID-19 in unadjusted results.
Jul 18
2023
 Ali et al., American Journal of Medical and Physical Education, 1:1 Biochemical changes of electrolytes and trace elements among patient with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in Khartoum state
Retrospective 50 COVID-19 patients and 50 healthy controls in Sudan, showing significantly lower zinc levels in COVID-19 patients, and an inverse correlation between zinc levels and COVID-19 severity.
Jul 15
2023
 Graydon et al., Current Research in Immunology, doi:10.1016/j.crimmu.2023.100064 High baseline frequencies of natural killer cells are associated with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
Analysis of 88 COVID+ patients in the USA showing that a higher frequency of natural killer (NK) cells was associated with asymptomatic infection. Improved NK cell numbers and functioning has been shown for exercise [Oh], better sleep [Ir..
Jul 14
2023
 Lupi et al., Frontiers in Immunology, doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148595 Persistent and transient olfactory deficits in COVID-19 are associated to inflammation and zinc homeostasis
Analysis of gene expression in the olfactory epithelium of 21 COVID-19 patients with persistent, transient, or no loss of smell. Authors find: - Patients with persistent smell loss had higher expression of metallothionein genes involved i..
Jul 11
2023
 Partap et al., Current Developments in Nutrition, doi:10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.101971 Vitamin D and zinc supplementation to improve treatment outcomes among COVID-19 patients in India: results from a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial
5% higher ventilation (p=0.82), 6% higher hospital discharge (p=0.8), and 10% improved recovery (p=0.67). Early terminated factorial RCT with 46 vitamin D, 48 zinc, 44 vitamin D + zinc, and 43 placebo patients in India. The most serious outcome (ventilation) numbers do not seem realistic. Authors do not specify outcomes per group, but with on..
Jul 1
2023
 Ibrahim et al., Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, doi:10.36721/PJPS.2023.36.4.REG.1031-1043.1 Clinical importance of zinc as monotherapy in modulating RT-PCR cycle threshold values and antibody levels in cases of COVID 19 patients
Analysis of 75 patients in Saudi Arabia showing that zinc treatment increased salivary zinc levels and lowered the viral burden in COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 patients had lower salivary zinc levels compared to healthy controls. Salivary zin..
Jun 30
2023
 El-Fakharany et al., International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125552 Inhibitory effect of lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles on SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry along with improvement of lung fibrosis induced in adult male albino rats
In vitro and rat study showing lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles (Lf-Zn-NPs) inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry while improving lung fibrosis in rats.
Jun 29
2023
 Wu et al., Journal of Infection, doi:10.1016/j.jinf.2023.06.021 The association between zinc deficiency, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19
71% lower mortality (p=0.005), 27% lower combined mortality/hospitalization (p=0.03), and 18% lower hospitalization (p=0.21). TriNetX PSM retrospective 10,935 COVID-19 patients, showing higher mortality with zinc deficiency.
Jun 27
2023
 Tran et al., In Vivo, doi:10.21873/invivo.13262 Therapeutic Efficacy of AFree Oral Spray on the Symptoms and Course of Moderate and Severe COVID-19 in the Field Hospital
84% improved recovery (p<0.0001) and 78% improved viral clearance (p=0.06). RCT 200 hospitalized patients in Vietnam, showing faster recovery with an oral spray containing zinc, propolis, xylitol, ginger, and DMSO.
Jun 20
2023
 Mahjoub et al., Explore, doi:10.1016/j.explore.2023.06.009 Melatonin, vitamins and minerals supplements for the treatment of Covid-19 and Covid-like illness: a prospective, randomized, double-blind multicenter study.
67% improved recovery (p=0.32). RCT 164 low-risk (no hospitalizations) patients in Tunisia, showing improved recovery with zinc, melatonin, and vitamins A-E. This study includes COVID-19 and COVID-like illness, with 49% of 128 patients receiving a PCR test being COVID-1..
Jun 14
2023
 Orellana-Manzano et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology, doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1197973 A report on SARS-CoV-2 first wave in Ecuador: drug consumption dynamics
Retrospective 10,175 people PCR tested in Ecuador, showing lower risk of PCR+ with multivitamin use and suggesting higher risk with acetaminophen use. The study analyzed drug consumption for COVID-19 symptoms during the 14 days before the..
Jun 13
2023
 Al-Fartusie et al., Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127242 A Comparative Study of Serum Zn, Cu, Mg, Mn, Cr, and Fe Levels and Their Association with the Vulnerability of Iraqi COVID-19 Patients
Retrospective 40 COVID-19 patients, 40 patients post COVID-19 recovery, and 40 healthy controls in Iraq, showing significantly lower zinc levels in COVID-19 patients.
Jun 10
2023
 Rheingold et al., Cureus, doi:10.7759/cureus.40231 Zinc Supplementation Associated With a Decrease in Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Meta-Analysis
37% lower mortality (p<0.0001). Meta analysis showing lower mortality in COVID-19 patients with zinc treatment.
May 24
2023
 Pelucelli et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, doi:10.3390/ijms24119202 Zn2+ and Cu2+ Interaction with the Recognition Interface of ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein
In vitro biochemical study showing that zinc and copper ions bind to peptide fragments from the ACE2 recognition interface for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The results suggest that zinc and copper could potentially reduce spike binding affin..
May 21
2023
 Chen et al., Nutrition, doi:10.1016/j.nut.2023.112087 Early oral nutritional supplement improves COVID-19 outcomes among hospitalized older patients during the omicron wave
PSM retrospective 1,181 COVID-19 patients ≥60 years old in China, showing significantly lower mortality with a nutritional supplement. Hospitalization time and viral clearance time was improved with earlier initiation of treatment. The su..
May 13
2023
 Jiménez et al., Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127200 Zinc Levels of Patients With A Moderate to Severe COVID-19 Infection at Hospital Admission and After 4th Days of Ward Hospitalization and Their Clinical Outcome
55% lower progression (p=0.22). Prospective analysis of 100 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Spain, showing higher risk of death/mechanical ventilation/ICU admission with zinc levels <79µg/dL, without statistical significance.
May 11
2023
 Kyagambiddwa et al., Infection and Drug Resistance, doi:10.2147/idr.s405256 Thirty-Day Outcomes of Young and Middle-Aged Adults Admitted with Severe COVID-19 in Uganda: A Retrospective Cohort Study
25% lower mortality (p=0.28). Retrospective 246 severe COVID-19 patients in Uganda, showing lower mortality with zinc treatment in unadjusted results, without statistical significance.
May 3
2023
 Abuhelwa, Z., Translation: The University of Toledo Journal of Medical Sciences, doi:10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-749 Do Zinc Supplements Reduce Mortality in Patients with COVID-19?
34% lower mortality (p<0.0001). Systematic review and meta analysis of 6 studies showing lower mortality with zinc treatment.
Apr 20
2023
 Fan et al., BioMetals, doi:10.1007/s10534-023-00501-0 Zinc and selenium status in coronavirus disease 2019
Meta analysis showing increased risk of COVID-19 with zinc deficiency and selenium deficiency. Zinc deficiency was also associated with severity, while there was no significant association for mortality.
Apr 19
2023
 Beheshti et al., Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.04.012 Correlation of vitamin D levels with serum parameters in Covid-19 patients
Retrospective 140 COVID-19 patients in Iran showing no significant difference in zinc levels between outpatients, hospitalized patients, and ICU patients.
Apr 18
2023
 Equey et al., Clinical Nutrition, doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2023.04.007 Association of plasma zinc levels with anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA seropositivity in the general population: a case-control study
Case control study with 199 COVID-19 cases and 447 controls in Switzerland, showing lower zinc levels associated with higher SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA seropositivity.
Apr 13
2023
 Barh et al., Indian Journal of Medical Research, doi:10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1701_22 Indian food habit & food ingredients may have a role in lowering the severity & high death rate from COVID-19 in Indians: findings from the first nutrigenomic analysis
Nutrigenomics study of blood transcriptomes from Indian and western COVID-19 patients, showing Indian dietary habits and food ingredients including higher zinc, iron, curcumin, fiber, catechins, and EGCG may be associated with reduced sev..
Apr 1
2023
 Reino-Gelardo et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu15071736 Effect of an Immune-Boosting, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Food Supplement in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study
61% lower mortality (p=0.05). RCT 162 late stage (65% on oxygen) patients in Spain, 78 treated with probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium, showing lower mortality with treatment, statistically significant only within the patients with high severity at ..
Apr 1
2023
 Abbas et al., Biochemical and Cellular Archives, 22:1 Effectiveness of Zinc and ROS on Testosterone Hormone Levels forRecovering COVID-19 Patients
Analysis of 70 recovered COVID-19 patients and 50 controls in Iraq, showing significantly lower zinc levels in COVID-19 patients.
Mar 31
2023
 Alfawaz et al., Heliyon, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15042 The relation between dietary zinc and immune status in saudi adults
Survey of 252 adults in Saudi Arabia, showing higher zinc intake associated with an improved immune status score.
Mar 21
2023
 Lahaye et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu15061516 Minerals and Antioxidant Micronutrients Levels and Clinical Outcome in Older Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 during the First Wave of the Pandemic
28% lower mortality (p=0.26) and 53% lower severe cases (p=0.02). Retrospective 235 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in France, showing lower zinc levels associated with severe cases. Results are provided for zinc levels as a continuous value.
Mar 21
2023
 Asoudeh et al., Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.03.013 The association between dietary intakes of zinc, vitamin C and COVID-19 severity and related symptoms: A cross-sectional study
57% lower severe cases (p=0.03). Retrospective 250 recovered COVID-19 patients, showing lower risk of severe cases with higher zinc intake.
Mar 21
2023
 Young et al., Research Square, doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-2702282/v1 Novel Protocol Using a Comprehensive Training ‘N’ Treatment (TNT) Approach Rapidly Reverses Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in Patients with Acute Loss of Taste and Smell Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Retrospective 5 patients in the USA, showing 100% recovery of post-COVID-19 taste and smell disorders with a treatment protocol including zinc, vitamin A, B-complex, vitamin D, and alpha lipoic acid in addition to saline nasal irrigation,..
Mar 15
2023
 Schloss et al., Inflammopharmacology, doi:10.1007/s10787-023-01183-3 Nutritional deficiencies that may predispose to long COVID
Review of 22 nutritional factors that have been linked to COVID-19 outcomes, the role of nutrients in COVID-19 infection, and the prevalence of multiple nutritional deficiencies in the population.
Mar 4
2023
 Ibrahim Alhajjaji et al., Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2023.02.011 Effect of zinc supplementation on symptom reduction and length of hospital stay among pediatric patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
88% lower mortality (p=0.13), 26% lower ventilation (p=0.75), 3% lower ICU admission (p=1), and 73% lower progression (p=0.004). Retrospective 101 hospitalized pediatric patients in Saudi Arabia, showing zinc treatment associated with lower respiratory failure and shorter hospitalization in unadjusted results. Patients receiving zinc were older. Authors note elevat..
Feb 28
2023
 Boukef et al., NCT05670444 Melatonin, Vitamins and Minerals Supplements for the Treatment of Covid-19 and Covid-like Illness: Results of a Prospective, Randomised, Double-blinded Multicentre Study
150 patient zinc early treatment RCT with results not reported over 3 years after completion.
Feb 15
2023
 Xie et al., Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2174948 Micronutrient perspective on COVID-19: Umbrella review and reanalysis of meta-analyses
Systematic review and meta analysis of micronutrient supplementation, showing zinc supplementation associated with lower mortality. Note that forest plots have OR>1 favoring supplementation.
Feb 2
2023
 Arora et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu15030771 Global Dietary and Herbal Supplement Use during COVID-19—A Scoping Review
Review of 14 global studies showing that the most frequently used dietary supplements during COVID-19 were vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and multivitamins. The most common reason was for improved immune system functioning or reduced COVID-1..
Jan 30
2023
 Sallam et al., Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, doi:10.12691/jfnr-11-1-10 Dietary Supplement Use among Children Whose Parents Work at National Research Centre: A Pilot Study
Survey of dietary supplementation showing high usage, and greater use by more highly educated people. The survey covered 200 children whose parents were employees of a research center in Egypt, showing 50% prevalence of supplementation du..
Jan 16
2023
 Viglione et al., The Gazette of Medical Sciences, doi:10.46766/thegms.pubheal.22120905 Intravenous high dose vitamin C and ozonated saline effective treatment for Covid-19: The Evolution of Local Standard of Care
Retrospective 479 high risk outpatients in the USA treated with a protocol including intravenous vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, quercetin, bromelain, lactoferrin, HCQ, ivermectin, ozonated saline, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, methylprednisolon..
Jan 10
2023
 Almasaud et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu15020340 Association of Serum Zinc and Inflammatory Markers with the Severity of COVID-19 Infection in Adult Patients
Prospective study of 123 COVID+ patients and 48 controls, showing significantly lower zinc levels in COVID-19 patients, and a negative correlation between zinc levels and COVID-19 severity. Moderate and severe cases were significantly old..
Jan 3
2023
 Ram et al., Research Square, doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-2418159/v1 Analysis of trace elements (Zn and Cu) levels in COVID-19 patients with ICU and Non-ICU hospitalization
Prospective analysis of 122 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, showing significantly lower zinc levels in ICU patients compared with non-ICU patients. Zinc levels were lower in non-survivors compared with survivors, without statistical signi..
Nov 28
2022
 Demircan et al., Frontiers in Immunology, doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.1022673 Association of COVID-19 mortality with serum selenium, zinc and copper: Six observational studies across Europe
Retrospective 551 COVID-19 patients in Europe, showing an inverse association between selenium or zinc levels and mortality.
Nov 26
2022
 Sharif et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu14235029 Impact of Zinc, Vitamins C and D on Disease Prognosis among Patients with COVID-19 in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
40% lower severe cases (p=0.0001). Retrospective 962 COVID-19 patients in Bangladesh, showing significantly lower severity with vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc supplementation, and improved results from the combination of all three. Table 2 has a typographical error where t..
Nov 4
2022
 Abdallah et al., Clinical Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1093/cid/ciac807 Twice daily oral zinc in the treatment of patients with Coronavirus Disease-19: A randomized double-blind controlled trial
30% lower mortality (p=0.27), 38% lower combined mortality/ICU admission (p=0.04), 54% lower ICU admission (p=0.01), and 42% lower need for oxygen therapy (p=0.009). RCT 470 patients with symptoms ≤7 days, showing significantly lower ICU admission and combined mortality/ICU admission with zinc treatment. Greater benefit was seen for patients treated within 3 days. 25mg elemental zinc bid for 15 days. ..
Nov 3
2022
 Olczak-Pruc et al., Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, doi:10.26444/aaem/155846 The effect of zinc supplementation on the course of COVID-19 – A systematic review and meta-analysis
39% lower mortality (p=0.08). Systematic review and meta analysis of 9 zinc studies, showing significantly lower in-hospital mortality with treatment.
Oct 31
2022
 Maradi et al., Reports of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 11:3 Importance of Microminerals for Maintaining Antioxidant Function After COVID-19-induced Oxidative Stress
Retrospective 100 COVID-19 patients and 100 healthy controls in India, showing significantly lower zinc levels in COVID-19 patients.
Oct 30
2022
 Adrean et al., Cureus, doi:10.7759/cureus.30881 Does Prophylactic Oral Zinc Reduce the Risk of Contracting COVID-19?
12% more cases (p=0.58). Retrospective 8,426 patients in the USA, showing no significant difference in cases with zinc prophylaxis. Severity results were not reported due to the small number of events. Authors report 'Of the COVID-19-positive patients, 30 routine..
Oct 19
2022
 Doocy et al., PLOS Global Public Health, doi:10.1371/journal.pgph.0000924 Clinical progression and outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in humanitarian settings: A prospective cohort study in South Sudan and Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
41% lower mortality (p=0.41). Prospective study of 144 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the DRC and South Sudan, showing lower mortality with zinc treatment, without statistical significance.
Oct 18
2022
 Cosentino et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, doi:10.3390/jcm11206138 Early Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19: A Retrospective Analysis of 392 Cases in Italy
Retrospective 392 outpatients in Italy showing 0.2% mortality with early treatment, compared with >3% in Italy at the time. Treatment varied for individual patients and included HCQ, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, quercetin, bromh..
Oct 7
2022
 Jabbar et al., Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results, doi:10.47750/pnr.2022.13.04.044 Assessment of Some Physiological Parameters and Trace Elements in Covid 19 Patients, Iraq
Analysis of 100 COVID-19 and 100 healthy patients in Iraq, showing significantly lower zinc levels for COVID-19 patients.
Sep 24
2022
 Mansour et al., The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine, doi:10.1186/s43162-022-00159-z Association of serum zinc level and clinical outcome in Egyptian COVID-19 patients
Retrospective 30 ICU patients and 30 non-ICU hospitalized patients in Egypt, showing lower zinc levels in ICU patients. All patients received zinc supplementation.
Sep 19
2022
 Mosadegh et al., Microbial Pathogenesis, doi:10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105792 The effect of Nutrition Bio-shield superfood (NBS) on disease severity and laboratory biomarkers in patients with COVID-19: A randomized clinical trial
61% lower mortality (p=0.002) and 28% shorter hospitalization (p=0.001). RCT 70 hospitalized severe COVID-19 patients in Iran, showing lower mortality and improved clinical markers with treatment combining vitamins A, B1-B3, B5, B6, B9, C, D, K, and magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, manganese, calcium,..
Sep 12
2022
 Wang et al., Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, doi:10.1080/10408398.2022.2119932 Zinc and COVID-19: Immunity, Susceptibility, Severity and Intervention
Review summarizing the association between zinc deficiency and increased susceptibility, severity, and mortality from COVID-19, and the potential protective role of zinc supplementation in enhancing immunity, decreasing susceptibility, re..
Sep 2
2022
 Foshati et al., Food Science & Nutrition, doi:10.1002/fsn3.3034 Antioxidants and clinical outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A systematic review of observational and interventional studies
Systematic review showing that vitamin C, vitamin D, selenium, and zinc can improve COVID-19 clinical outcomes.
Aug 24
2022
 Bayraktar et al., Biological Trace Element Research, doi:10.1007/s12011-022-03400-6 Evaluation of the Relationship Between Aquaporin-1, Hepcidin, Zinc, Copper, and İron Levels and Oxidative Stress in the Serum of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19
Analysis of 45 COVID-19 ICU patients and 45 healthy controls, showing significantly lower zinc levels in COVID-19 patients.
Aug 23
2022
 Mahmoud et al., International journal of health sciences, doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS5.12091 Relationship of contactin-1 with a number of trace elements in Iraqi rheumatoid arthritis patients with and without COVID-19
Retrospective 56 rheumatoid arthritis patients, 28 with COVID-19, showing lower zinc levels in COVID-19 patients.
Aug 18
2022
 Gkioulekas et al., COVID, doi:10.3390/covid2080084 Statistical Analysis Methods Applied to Early Outpatient COVID-19 Treatment Case Series Data
Retrospective analysis of case series data from 3,164 high-risk COVID-19 outpatients treated with early multidrug protocols similar to the McCullough protocol, including hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, zinc, azithromycin, vitamin C, vitam..
Aug 9
2022
 Kladnik et al., Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, doi:10.1080/14756366.2022.2108417 Zinc pyrithione is a potent inhibitor of PLPro and cathepsin L enzymes with ex vivo inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication
Ex vivo study showing zinc pyrithione to be a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication.
Aug 9
2022
 Vásquez-Procopio et al., Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, doi:10.3389/fcell.2022.935363 Inflammatory-Metal Profile as a Hallmark for COVID-19 Severity During Pregnancy
Prospective study of 163 COVID+ and 34 COVID- pregnant women in Mexico, showing significantly lower zinc levels in patients with severe COVID-19.
Aug 4
2022
 Doğan et al., Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, doi:10.1093/tropej/fmac072 The Clinical Significance of Vitamin D and Zinc Levels with Respect to Immune Response in COVID-19 Positive Children
77% fewer cases (p=0.003). Prospective study of 88 pediatric COVID-19 patients and 88 healthy controls, showing significantly lower zinc and vitamin D levels in COVID-19 patients.
Aug 4
2022
 Bego et al., Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127055 Association of Trace Element Status in COVID-19 Patients with Disease Severity
Analysis of 210 hospitalized patients in Bosnia and Herzegovina with serum levels measured on admission, showing significantly lower zinc and selenium levels in patients that died or had severe cases, compared to mild cases.
Jul 25
2022
 Balmforth et al., Journal of Clinical Virology, doi:10.1016/j.jcv.2022.105248 RETRACTED: Evaluating the efficacy and safety of a novel prophylactic nasal spray in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A multi-centre, double blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial
This study was retracted.
Jun 30
2022
 Borzouei et al., Nutrition and Food Sciences Research, 9:2 Assessment of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Retinol-binding Protein (RBP), Zinc, Selenium, Copper and Magnesium in Iranian COVID-19 Patients and Their Relationships with the Disease Linked Death
Analysis of 98 hospitalized COVID-19 patients showing that a high proportion of patients had nutrient deficiencies: 59% for vitamin D, 12% for vitamin B12, 53% for RBP, 31% for zinc, 89% for selenium, 16% for copper, and 27% for magnesium..
Jun 28
2022
 Haji et al., Infectious Diseases, 22:2 Relationship of serum zinc levels with severity and clinical presentation of COVID-19
66% lower hospitalization (p<0.0001). Prospective study of 150 COVID-19 patients and 50 healthy controls in Iraq showing lower serum zinc levels associated with more severe COVID-19 outcomes. Patients with zinc deficiency (<0.7 mg/L) had longer recovery periods and higher rat..
Jun 27
2022
 Alahmari et al., Healthcare, doi:10.3390/healthcare10071201 Factors Associated with Length of Hospital Stay among COVID-19 Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study during the First Pandemic Wave
30% shorter hospitalization (p<0.0001). Retrospective 977 hospitalized patients in Saudi Arabia, showing significantly shorter hospitalization with zinc treatment. In Table 2, every 'GLM Estimate' matches the unadjusted mathematical difference between the raw means of the two g..
Jun 17
2022
 Stambouli et al., International Journal of Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.06.016 COVID-19 prophylaxis with Doxycycline and Zinc in Health Care Workers: A prospective randomized double-blind clinical tria
68% fewer symptomatic cases (p=0.36), 5% fewer cases (p=1), and 21% improved viral load (p<0.0001). Prophylaxis RCT with 59 zinc + doxycycline, 56 doxycycline, and 57 placebo healthcare workers, showing lower symptomatic cases and significantly improved Ct values with the addition of zinc to doxycycline treatment. Doxycycline 100mg/day ..
May 31
2022
 Abdulla et al., Archives of Razi Institute, doi:10.22092/ARI.2022.358363.2208 Haematological parameters in COVID-19 patients: association with severity of the disease
Retrospective 76 COVID-19 patients in Iraq, showing no significant difference in zinc levels based on severity.
May 30
2022
 Kumar et al., Cureus, doi:10.7759/cureus.25467 Efficacy and Safety of Aspirin, Promethazine, and Micronutrients for Rapid Clinical Recovery in Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
57% improved recovery (p=0.25). RCT 260 patients in India, 130 treated with aspirin, promethazine, vitamin C, D, B3, zinc, and selenium, showing faster recovery with treatment. There was no hospitalization, ICU admission, or supplemental oxygen requirements in either gr..
May 27
2022
 Galmés et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu14112254 Suboptimal Consumption of Relevant Immune System Micronutrients Is Associated with a Worse Impact of COVID-19 in Spanish Populations
Ecological study in Spain, showing lower intake of vitamin D, A, B9, and zinc in regions with the highest COVID-19 incidence and mortality. Vitamin D intake was associated with lower prevalence, incidence, and a combined incidence+mortali..
May 23
2022
 Tabatabaeizadeh, S., European Journal of Medical Research, doi:10.1186/s40001-022-00694-z Zinc supplementation and COVID-19 mortality: a meta-analysis
43% lower mortality (p=0.0002). Meta analysis of five zinc treatment studies for COVID-19, showing significantly lower mortality.
May 13
2022
 Zangeneh et al., Obesity Medicine, doi:10.1016/j.obmed.2022.100420 Survival analysis based on body mass index in patients with Covid-19 admitted to the intensive care unit of Amir Al-Momenin Hospital in Arak – 2021
21% higher mortality (p=0.66). Retrospective 193 ICU patients in Iran, showing no significant difference with zinc treatment. This study has multiple data issues: The text states that 134 people died and 59 were discharged. However, in Table 1, the column labeled 'Expi..
Apr 30
2022
 Voelkle et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu14091862 Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: An Observational Cohort Study
77% lower combined mortality/ICU admission (p=0.007). Prospective study of 57 consecutive hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Switzerland, showing higher risk of mortality/ICU admission with vitamin A, vitamin D, and zinc deficiency, with statistical significance only for vitamin A and zinc. A..
Mar 31
2022
 Arora et al., Journal of Infection, doi:10.1016/j.jinf.2021.12.039 Risk factors for Coronavirus disease-associated mucormycosis
95% lower progression (p<0.0001). Retrospective 152 COVID-associated mucormycosis cases and 200 controls, showing lower risk of COVID-associated mucormycosis with zinc treatment.
Mar 30
2022
 Citu et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu14071445 Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc Supplementation during Pregnancy: The Additive Value of Micronutrients on Maternal Immune Response after SARS-CoV-2 Infection
18% lower severe cases (p=1). Retrospective 448 pregnant women with COVID-19. Patients with calcium, zinc, and magnesium supplementation, or magnesium only, had a significantly higher titer of SARS-CoV-2 anti-RBD antibodies. There was no statistically significant diff..
Mar 28
2022
 Maares et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu14071407 Free Zinc as a Predictive Marker for COVID-19 Mortality Risk
Analysis of 33 COVID-19 patients and 86 control patients in Germany, showing lower free serum zinc levels associated with COVID-19 and mortality.
Mar 23
2022
 Ghanei et al., European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, doi:10.1038/s41430-022-01095-5 Low serum levels of zinc and 25-hydroxyvitmain D as potential risk factors for COVID-19 susceptibility: a pilot case-control study
Case control study with 90 COVID-19 cases and 95 matched controls in Iran, showing significantly lower zinc levels for cases.
Mar 10
2022
 DiGuilio et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, doi:10.3390/ijms23062995 Micronutrient Improvement of Epithelial Barrier Function in Various Disease States: A Case for Adjuvant Therapy
Review of epithelial and endothelial barrier compromise and associated disease risk including COVID-19, and the potential benefits of vitamin A, vitamin D, and zinc for improving barrier function.
Feb 28
2022
 Shehab et al., Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, doi:10.4314/tjpr.v21i2.13 Immune-boosting effect of natural remedies and supplements on progress of, and recovery from COVID-19 infection
47% lower severe cases (p=0.24). Retrospective survey-based analysis of 349 COVID-19 patients, showing a lower risk of severe cases with vitamin D, zinc, turmeric, and honey prophylaxis in unadjusted analysis, without statistical significance. REC/UG/2020/03.
Feb 28
2022
 Nimer et al., Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, doi:10.17305/bjbms.2021.7009 The impact of vitamin and mineral supplements usage prior to COVID-19 infection on disease severity and hospitalization
25% higher hospitalization (p=0.21) and 13% higher severe cases (p=0.46). Retrospective 2,148 COVID-19 recovered patients in Jordan, showing no significant differences in the risk of severity and hospitalization with zinc prophylaxis.
Feb 26
2022
 Hajdrik et al., Foods, doi:10.3390/foods11050694 In Vitro Determination of Inhibitory Effects of Humic Substances Complexing Zn and Se on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Replication
In vitro study of a humic substance containing vitamin C, selemium ions, and zinc ions, showing 50% SARS-CoV-2 inhibition at picomolar concentrations.
Feb 24
2022
 Kory et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, doi:10.14740/jocmr4658 “MATH+” Multi-Modal Hospital Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 Infection: Clinical and Scientific Rationale
Review of the data supporting the MATH+ hospital treatment protocol for COVID-19.
Feb 23
2022
 Kumar et al., Cureus, doi:10.7759/cureus.22528 Role of Zinc and Clinicopathological Factors for COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) in a Rural Hospital of Central India: A Case-Control Study
20% lower mortality (p=0.71). Case control study of 105 COVID-19 patients in India, 55 with mucormycosis and 50 without, showing zinc prophylaxis and diabetes both associated with mucormycosis in unadjusted results. This is likely confounded because zinc supplementati..
Feb 20
2022
 Quek et al., Clinical and Translational Medicine, doi:10.1002/ctm2.731 Zinc and vitamin C intake increases spike and neutralising antibody production following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Antibody response analysis of 422 SARS-CoV-2 infected men in an RCT showing zinc + vitamin C treatment increased anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG and neutralizing antibody levels compared to other treatments (vitamin C, hydroxychloroquine, iverm..
Feb 12
2022
 Nedić et al., JBIC Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, doi:10.1007/s00775-022-01931-w Major trace elements and their binding proteins in the early phase of Covid-19 infection
Analysis of 60 COVID-19 patients and 60 matched controls, showing higher zinc levels in COVID-19 patients. The concentration of zinc was close to the lower reference limit in healthy people, and above the reference limit in 20 out of 60 C..
Feb 8
2022
 Ivanova et al., Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126944 Evaluation of zinc, copper, and Cu:Zn ratio in serum, and their implications in the course of COVID-19
Retrospective 75 COVID-19 hospitalized patients and 68 healthy controls in Bulgaria, showing mortality associated with lower zinc levels.
Jan 30
2022
 Chen et al., Environmental Geochemistry and Health, doi:10.1007/s10653-022-01204-0 Geographical distribution of trace elements (selenium, zinc, iron, copper) and case fatality rate of COVID-19: a national analysis across conterminous USA
Analysis of the geographical association between concentrations of selenium, zinc, iron, and copper in surface soils and COVID-19 case fatality rates, showing low zinc levels associated with higher case fatality rates.
Jan 29
2022
 Mohajeri et al., Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, doi:10.3233/MNM-211521 The difference in the dietary inflammatory index, functional food, and antioxidants intake between COVID-19 patients and healthy persons
Retrospective dietary survey analysis of 500 COVID-19 patients and 500 healthy matched controls in Iran, showing that COVID-19 patients had lower daily consumption of vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium. IR.ARUMS.REC.1400...
Jan 22
2022
 PVSN et al., Biological Trace Element Research, doi:10.1007/s12011-022-03124-7 Comparative Analysis of Serum Zinc, Copper and Magnesium Level and Their Relations in Association with Severity and Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Patients
Analysis of 150 COVID+ hospitalized patients in India, showing lower zinc levels associated with higher severity.
Jan 22
2022
 Ekemen Keleş et al., European Journal of Pediatrics, doi:10.1007/s00431-021-04348-w Serum zinc levels in pediatric patients with COVID-19
75% lower hospitalization (p=0.01). Prospective study of 100 COVID+ pediatric patients in Turkey, showing significantly increased risk of hospitalization for patients with zinc deficiency.
Jan 13
2022
 Tyson et al., Journal of Independent Medicine, doi:10.71189/JIM/2025/V01N02A06 (date from preprint) Low Rates of Hospitalization and Death in 4376 COVID-19 Patients Treated With Early Ambulatory Medical and Supportive Care: A Case Series and Observational Study
98% lower mortality (p<0.0001) and 99% lower hospitalization (p<0.0001). Retrospective 4,376 patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 in the USA treated with multiple medications including HCQ/ivermectin, zinc, azithromycin, budesonide, and dexamethasone (exact treatments specific to each patient), showing signifi..
Jan 7
2022
 Al-Saleh et al., BioMetals, doi:10.1007/s10534-021-00355-48 Essential metals, vitamins and antioxidant enzyme activities in COVID-19 patients and their potential associations with the disease severity
Prospective study of 155 COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia, showing that 25% of patients were zinc deficient (<0.693 μg/mL). There were no significant differences in zinc levels between the asymptomatic, mild, moderate and severe COVID-19..
Dec 16
2021
 Mayberry et al., Critical Care Medicine, doi:10.1097/01.ccm.0000807104.82650.d6 Zinc use is associated with improved outcomes in COVID-19: results from the CRUSH-COVID registry
53% lower mortality (p<0.0001), 64% lower ventilation (p<0.0001), 60% lower ICU admission (p<0.0001), and 58% lower combined mortality/ICU admission (p<0.0001). Retrospective 2,028 COVID patients in the USA, showing significantly lower mortality, ventilation, ICU admission, and progression to ARDS with zinc use, defined as at least one dose from one week prior to admission to 48 hours after admis..
Dec 13
2021
 Gordon et al., Frontiers in Medicine, doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.756707 A Case-Control Study for the Effectiveness of Oral Zinc in the Prevention and Mitigation of COVID-19
85% fewer symptomatic cases (p=0.02). Prospective study of zinc supplementation with 104 patients randomized to receive 10mg, 25mg, or 50mg of zinc picolinate daily, and a matched sample of 96 control patients from the adjacent clinic that did not routinely recommend/use zinc..
Nov 15
2021
 Ramos et al., Global Journal of Health Science, doi:10.5539/gjhs.v14n1p1 Vitamin D, Zinc and Iron in Adult Patients with Covid-19 and Their Action in the Immune Response as Biomarkers
24% fewer cases (p=0.64). Retrospective 13 COVID-19 patients and 7 controls in Brazil, showing no significant difference in zinc deficiency.
Nov 9
2021
 Stone et al., Biologics, doi:10.3390/biologics2030015 (date from preprint) Changes in SpO2 on Room Air for 34 Severe COVID-19 Patients after Ivermectin-Based Combination Treatment: 62% Normalization within 24 Hours
Retrospective severe COVID-19 patients in Zimbabwe treated with ivermectin, doxycycline, and zinc. For 34 with SpO2 tracking, there was rapid improvement in SpO2, with 55% recovery towards SpO2 97 within 12 hours. The preprint shows furth..
Oct 25
2021
 Leal-Martínez et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, doi:10.3390/ijerph19031172 (date from preprint) Effect of a Nutritional Support System to Increase Survival and Reduce Mortality in Patients with COVID-19 in Stage III and Comorbidities: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
86% lower mortality (p=0.03) and 57% lower ventilation (p=0.31). 80 patient RCT with 40 patients treated with a comprehensive regimen of nutritional support, showing significantly lower mortality with treatment. Treatment contained cholecalciferol, vitamin C, zinc, spirulina maxima, folic acid, glutami..
Oct 19
2021
 Borody et al., TrialSite News Combination Therapy For COVID-19 Based on Ivermectin in an Australian Population
92% lower mortality (p=0.03) and 93% lower hospitalization (p<0.0001). Retrospective 600 PCR+ outpatients in Australia treated with ivermectin, zinc, and doxycycline, showing significantly lower mortality and hospitalization with treatment. This trial uses a synthetic control group, and the preliminary repor..
Oct 12
2021
 Worcel et al., Annals of Palliative Medicine, doi:10.21037/apm-21-1707 Low mortality from COVID-19 at a nursing facility in France following a combined preventive and active treatment protocol
Report on the relatively low mortality and relatively mild COVID-19 symptoms at a French nursing facility that has adopted several treatments including vitamin D, zinc, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, and a multivitamin.
Oct 11
2021
 Majeed et al., Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, doi:10.1155/2021/8447545 A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of a Nutritional Supplement (ImmuActive) for COVID-19 Patients
43% improved recovery (p=0.004) and 6% faster viral clearance (p=0.47). RCT 100 patients in India, 50 treated with ImmuActive (curcumin, andrographolides, resveratrol, zinc, selenium, and piperine), showing improved recovery with treatment.
Oct 4
2021
 Kocak et al., Biological Trace Element Research, doi:10.1007/s12011-021-02946-1 Evaluation of Serum Trace Element Levels and Biochemical Parameters of COVID-19 Patients According to Disease Severityhttps://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12011-021-02946-1
Analysis of 60 COVID-19 patients and 32 healthy controls, showing that zinc and selenium levels were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Zinc levels decreased with increasing disease severity from asymptomatic t..
Oct 1
2021
 Kaplan et al., Frontiers in Drug Discovery, doi:10.3389/fddsv.2022.91012 Reszinate—A Phase 1/2 Randomized Clinical Trial of Zinc and Resveratrol Utilizing Home Patient-Obtained Nasal and Saliva Viral Sampling
14% higher ventilation (p=1), 14% higher ICU admission (p=1), and 14% higher hospitalization (p=1). Small RCT of zinc plus resveratrol in COVID-19+ outpatients, showing no significant differences in viral clearance or symptoms. Although the treatment group was older (46.3 vs. 38.5) and had more severe baseline symptoms, they had similar..
Sep 22
2021
 Du Laing et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu13103304 Course and Survival of COVID-19 Patients with Comorbidities in Relation to the Trace Element Status at Hospital Admission
79% lower mortality (p=0.01). Retrospective 73 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Belgium, showing higher risk of mortality with selenium deficiency and zinc deficiency.
Sep 17
2021
 Singh et al., Frontiers in Immunology, doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.699389 Nutritional Immunity, Zinc Sufficiency, and COVID-19 Mortality in Socially Similar European Populations
Analysis of zinc sufficiency showing a positive correlation between sufficiency and COVID-19 within European countries. Unmeasured confounders are likely to be significant, for example the higher sufficiency countries also have significan..
Sep 3
2021
 Razeghi Jahromi et al., BMC Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1186/s12879-021-06617-3 The correlation between serum selenium, zinc, and COVID-19 severity: an observational study
Prospective analysis of 84 patients in Iran, showing higher selenium and zinc levels associated with a decrease in serum CRP level. There was no statistically significant association between selenium/zinc levels and disease severity.
Sep 1
2021
 Sharmin et al., NCT04558424 Randomized, Double -Blind, Placebo Controlled, Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation in COVID-19 Positive Hospitalized Patients in BSMMU
Estimated 50 patient zinc late treatment RCT with results not reported over 5 years after estimated completion.
Sep 1
2021
 Bagheri et al., Journal of Family & Reproductive Health, doi:10.18502/jfrh.v14i3.4668 Supplement Usage Pattern in a Group of COVID-19 Patients in Tehran
60% lower severe cases (p=0.41) and 41% lower hospitalization (p=0.37). Retrospective 510 patients in Iran, showing lower risk of severity with vitamin D (statistically significant) and zinc (not statistically significant) supplementation. IR.TUMS.VCR.REC.1398.1063.
Aug 31
2021
 Arrieta et al., Nutrition, doi:10.1016/j.nut.2021.111467 Serum zinc and copper in people with COVID-19 and zinc supplementation in parenteral nutrition
Retrospective 35 COVID-19 patients on parenteral nutrition on Spain, showing serum zinc levels inversely associated with length of hospital stay. There was no significant association between zinc and mortality (p>0.1, actual results are n..
Aug 28
2021
 Assiri et al., Journal of Infection and Public Health, doi:10.1016/j.jiph.2021.08.030 COVID-19 related treatment and outcomes among COVID-19 ICU patients: A retrospective cohort study
81% higher mortality (p=0.44). Retrospective 118 ICU patients in Saudi Arabia showing no significant differences in unadjusted results with zinc, vitamin D, and favipiravir treatment. This paper has several data issues: The text states the outcome variable was coded as..
Aug 26
2021
 Golabi et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu13103368 (date from preprint) The Association between Vitamin D and Zinc Status and the Progression of Clinical Symptoms among Outpatients Infected with SARS-CoV-2 and Potentially Non-Infected Participants: A Cross-Sectional Study
Analysis of vitamin D and zinc levels in 53 PCR+ outpatients and 53 matched controls, showing lower zinc levels in COVID-19 patients, and increased risk of cases and symptoms with vitamin D deficiency. There was no significant difference ..
Aug 25
2021
 Bagher Pour et al., International Journal of Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2021.08.053 Serum trace elements levels and clinical outcomes among Iranian COVID-19 patients
Prospective analysis of 114 ICU patients and 112 matched non-ICU patients in Iran, showing mortality associated with lower zinc levels. There was no significant difference in zinc levels between ICU and non-ICU patients. IR.TBZMED.REC.139..
Aug 18
2021
 Shakeri et al., Journal of Medical Virology, doi:10.1002/jmv.27277 Evaluation of the relationship between serum levels of zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19
Retrospective 293 hospitalized patients in Iran showing lower levels of zinc, vitamin B12, and vitamin D in patients that died, with statistical significance reached only for zinc.
Aug 17
2021
 Capone et al., Cureus, doi:10.7759/cureus.9809 Characterization of Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients at a Brooklyn Safety-Net Hospital
Retrospective 102 ICU patients in the USA, 73 receiving vitamin C and zinc, showing a negative correlation of treatment with mortality, but not reaching statistical significance (p = 0.31).
Aug 12
2021
 Elavarasi et al., Lung India, doi:10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_493_21 Clinical features, demography, and predictors of outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection at a tertiary care hospital in India: A cohort study
65% lower mortality (p<0.0001). Retrospective 2017 hospitalized patients in India, showing lower mortality with zinc treatment.
Aug 4
2021
 Hosseini et al., Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice, doi:10.1097/IPC.0000000000001051 Comparing Serum Levels of Vitamin D and Zinc in Novel Coronavirus–Infected Patients and Healthy Individuals in Northeastern Iran, 2020
Analysis of 56 COVID-19 patients and 46 healthy control patients in Iran. Severe cases had lower levels of zinc compared with non-severe cases and healthy controls.
Jul 31
2021
 Frontera et al., Journal of the Neurological Sciences, doi:10.1016/j.jns.2021.117486 A prospective study of long-term outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients with and without neurological complications
33% lower long COVID (p=0.07). Prospective study of 382 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in New York City, showing significantly worse 6-month functional outcomes, activities of daily living, and return to work with neurological complications during initial hospitalizati..
Jul 27
2021
 Israel et al., Epidemiology and Global Health Microbiology and Infectious Disease, doi:10.7554/eLife.68165 Identification of drugs associated with reduced severity of COVID-19: A case-control study in a large population
100% lower hospitalization (p=0.04). Case control study examining medication usage with a healthcare database in Israel, showing lower risk of hospitalization with calcium + zinc supplements (defined as being picked up within 35 days prior to PCR+), however only 10 patients ..
Jul 9
2021
 Rabail et al., Food Science & Nutrition, doi:10.1002/fsn3.2458 Nutritional and lifestyle changes required for minimizing the recovery period in home quarantined COVID-19 patients of Punjab, Pakistan
Survey of 80 recovered COVID-19 patients in Pakistan, showing faster recovery with vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc supplementation.
Jul 7
2021
 Hazan et al., medRxiv, doi:10.1101/2021.07.06.21259924 Effectiveness of ivermectin-based multidrug therapy in severely hypoxic, ambulatory COVID-19 patients
100% lower mortality (p=0.04) and 100% lower hospitalization (p=0.001). Small study of 24 consecutive patients in serious condition (9 days post symptoms, mean SpO2 87.4) using combined treatment with ivermectin, doxycycline, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C, showing no mortality or hospitalization with treatme..
Jul 6
2021
 Margolin et al., Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, doi:10.1177/2515690X211026193 20-Week Study of Clinical Outcomes of Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Prophylaxis and Treatment
94% fewer cases (p=0.003). Retrospective 113 outpatients, 53 (patient choice) treated with zinc, quercetin, vitamin C/D/E, l-lysine, and quina, showing lower cases with treatment. Results are subject to selection bias and limited information on the groups is provid..
Jun 24
2021
 Beigmohammadi et al., Nutrition, doi:10.1016/j.nut.2021.111400 The association between serum levels of micronutrients and the severity of disease in patients with COVID-19
Retrospective 60 ICU patients in Iran, showing that lower levels of vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc were significantly associated with higher APACHE scores (P = 0.001, 0.028, and <0.001, respectively) and higher lung involvement (P = 0.002..
Jun 20
2021
 Notz et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu13062113 Clinical Significance of Micronutrient Supplementation in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients with Severe ARDS
Retrospective 22 ICU patients, showing most patients had low selenium status biomarkers and low zinc levels, and reporting on treatment with nutrient supplementation including selenium and zinc. Authors conclude that sufficient selenium a..
Jun 15
2021
 Panchariya et al., Chemical Communications, doi:10.1039/D1CC03563K Zinc2+ ion inhibits SARS-CoV-2 main protease and viral replication in vitro
In silico and in vitro study showing that ionic zinc inhibits SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and inhibits viral replication. Zinc acetate inhibited viral replication in Vero E6 cells, while zinc glycinate and zinc gluconate did not at no..
Jun 12
2021
 Verschelden et al., medRxiv, doi:10.1101/2021.06.09.21258271 Plasma zinc status and hyperinflammatory syndrome in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: an observational study
Prospective study of 139 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, showing 96% had zinc deficiency. Higher zinc levels were associated with a shorter length of hospitalization. Mortality and ventilation was lower with higher zinc levels, but not re..
Jun 7
2021
 Al Sulaiman et al., Critical Care, doi:10.1186/s13054-021-03785-1 (date from preprint) Evaluation of Zinc Sulfate as an Adjunctive Therapy in COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients: a Two Center Propensity-score Matched Study
36% lower mortality (p=0.11), 25% longer ICU admission (p=0.28), and 6% longer hospitalization (p=0.61). Retrospective 164 ICU patients showing lower mortality with zinc treatment, reaching statistical significance only for 30 day mortality, and lower odds of acute kidney injury, without statistical significance. NRC21R/287/07. Results are s..
May 22
2021
 Asimi et al., Endocrine Abstracts, doi:10.1530/endoabs.73.PEP14.2 Selenium, zinc, and vitamin D supplementation affect the clinical course of COVID-19 infection in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
97% lower ventilation (p<0.0001), 99% lower hospitalization (p<0.0001), and 100% lower severe cases (p<0.0001). Retrospective 356 Hashimoto's thyroiditis outpatients, 270 taking vitamin D, zinc, and selenium, showing significantly lower hospitalization with treatment. Authors adjust for age, gender, BMI, and smoking status, reporting statistically ..
May 11
2021
 Aldwihi et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, doi:10.3390/ijerph18105086 Patients’ Behavior Regarding Dietary or Herbal Supplements before and during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia
24% lower hospitalization (p=0.16). Retrospective survey-based analysis of 738 COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia, showing lower hospitalization with vitamin C, turmeric, zinc, and nigella sativa, and higher hospitalization with vitamin D. For vitamin D, most patients contin..
May 3
2021
 Fromonot et al., Clinical Nutrition, doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2021.04.042 Hypozincemia in the early stage of COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19
89% lower hospitalization (p=0.002) and 28% fewer cases (p=0.003). Analysis of 240 consecutive patients in France, showing significantly higher zinc deficiency in COVID-19 patients, and significantly greater risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 patients with zinc deficiency. 2020PI087.
Apr 18
2021
 Elham et al., Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.03.040 Serum vitamin D, calcium, and zinc levels in patients with COVID-19
Case control study with 93 hospitalized patients in Iran and 186 control patients, showing significantly lower vitamin D, zinc, and calcium levels in cases. IR.SHOUSHTAR.REC.1399.017.
Apr 15
2021
 Skalny et al., Metabolites, doi:10.3390/metabo11040244 Serum Zinc, Copper, and Other Biometals Are Associated with COVID-19 Severity Markers
Analysis of serum metal levels in 150 COVID-19 patients and 44 controls, finding that COVID-19 severity was associated with lower serum Ca, Fe, Se, Zn levels when compared to controls.
Apr 14
2021
 Seet et al., International Journal of Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2021.04.035 Positive impact of oral hydroxychloroquine and povidone-iodine throat spray for COVID-19 prophylaxis: an open-label randomized trial
50% fewer symptomatic cases (p=0.0007) and 27% fewer cases (p=0.03). Prophylaxis RCT in Singapore with 3,037 low risk patients, showing lower serious cases, lower symptomatic cases, and lower confirmed cases of COVID-19 with all treatments (ivermectin, HCQ, PVP-I, and Zinc + vitamin C) compared to vitamin ..
Apr 8
2021
 Abdulateef et al., Open Medicine, doi:10.1515/med-2021-0273 COVID-19 severity in relation to sociodemographics and vitamin D use
13% lower hospitalization (p=0.83). Survey of 428 recovered COVID-19 patients in Iraq, showing fewer hospital visits for patients on prophylactic vitamin C or D. Hospitalization was lower for those on vitamin C, D, or zinc, without statistical significance. The study observ..
Apr 8
2021
 Gadhiya et al., BMJ Open, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042549 Clinical characteristics of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and the impact on mortality: a single-network, retrospective cohort study from Pennsylvania state
41% higher mortality (p=0.33). Retrospective 283 patients in the USA showing higher mortality with all treatments (not statistically significant). Confounding by indication is likely. In the supplementary appendix, authors note that the treatments were usually given fo..
Apr 7
2021
 Mulhem et al., BMJ Open, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042042 3219 hospitalised patients with COVID-19 in Southeast Michigan: a retrospective case cohort study
46% lower mortality (p<0.0001). Retrospective database analysis of 3,219 hospitalized patients in the USA. Very different results in the time period analysis (Table S2), and results significantly different to other studies for the same medications (e.g., heparin OR 3.06..
Mar 30
2021
 Holt et al., Thorax, doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-217487 Risk factors for developing COVID-19: a population-based longitudinal study (COVIDENCE UK)
7% fewer cases (p=0.77). Prospective survey-based study with 15,227 people in the UK, showing lower risk of COVID-19 cases with vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, probiotics, and inhaled corticosteroids; and higher risk with metformin and vitamin C. Statistica..
Mar 1
2021
 Wessels et al., British Journal of Nutrition, doi:10.1017/S0007114521000738 Zinc deficiency as a possible risk factor for increased susceptibility and severe progression of Corona Virus Disease 19
Review of the possible association between zinc deficiency and increased susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19. Authors propose multiple mechanisms by which pre-existing zinc deficiency may increase the risk of severe COVID-19 progre..
Feb 28
2021
 Bejan et al., Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, doi:10.1002/cpt.2376 (date from preprint) DrugWAS: Drug‐wide Association Studies for COVID‐19 Drug Repurposing
18% lower ventilation (p=0.78) and 30% lower ICU admission (p=0.6). Retrospective 9,748 COVID-19 patients in the USA showing lower ventilation and ICU admission with zinc prophylaxis, without statistical significance.
Feb 25
2021
 Patel et al., Journal of Medical Virology, doi:10.1002/jmv.26895 A pilot double-blind safety and feasibility randomized controlled trial of high-dose intravenous zinc in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
20% lower mortality (p=1). Small early terminated RCT with 33 hospitalized patients in Australia, 15 treated with zinc, showing no significant difference in clinical outcomes. Treatment increased zinc levels above the deficiency cutoff. Intravenous zinc 0.5mg/kg/da..
Feb 15
2021
 Mahto et al., American Journal of Blood Research, 11:1 Seroprevalence of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 and its determinants among healthcare workers of a COVID-19 dedicated hospital of India
37% lower IgG positivity (p=0.35). Retrospective 689 healthcare workers in India, showing no significant difference in IgG positivity with zinc prophylaxis.
Feb 13
2021
 Dubourg et al., Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, doi:10.1016/j.jmii.2021.01.012 Low blood zinc concentrations in patients with poor clinical outcome during SARS-CoV-2 infection: is there a need to supplement with Zinc COVID-19 patients?
Retrospective 275 patients showing zinc levels significantly lower in patients with poor outcomes, 840 vs. 970 µg/L, p< 0.0001.
Feb 12
2021
 Thomas et al., JAMA Network Open, doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.0369 Effect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulatory Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The COVID A to Z Randomized Clinical Trial
44% higher hospitalization (p=0.72) and 12% faster recovery (p=0.38). Small 214 low-risk outpatient RCT showing non-statistically significant faster recovery with zinc and with vitamin C. Study performed in the USA where zinc deficiency is relatively uncommon. The zinc dosage is relatively low, 50mg zinc gl..
Feb 1
2021
 Muhammad et al., SAGE Open Medicine, doi:10.1177/2050312121991246 Deficiency of antioxidants and increased oxidative stress in COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional comparative study in Jigawa, Northwestern Nigeria
Case control study with 50 symptomatic COVID-19 patients and 21 healthy controls in Nigeria, showing that COVID-19 patients had significantly lower levels of selenium and zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. Control patients were younger than ..
Jan 19
2021
 Abioye et al., BMJ Global Health, doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003176 Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 80 randomized controlled trials showing reduced risk of acute respiratory infections with vitamin C and vitamin D, and shorter duration of symptoms with vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc.
Jan 7
2021
 Abdelmaksoud et al., Biological Trace Element Research, doi:10.1007/s12011-020-02546-5 Olfactory Disturbances as Presenting Manifestation Among Egyptian Patients with COVID-19: Possible Role of Zinc
134 COVID-19 patients, 49 treated with zinc, showing faster recovery of olfactory function in patients treated with zinc (median 7 vs. 18 days). There was no difference in overall recovery time. There were 4 deaths but authors do not indi..
Jan 7
2021
 Sethuram et al., Reproductive Sciences, doi:10.1007/s43032-020-00400-6 Potential Role of Zinc in the COVID-19 Disease Process and its Probable Impact on Reproduction
Review of zinc deficiency and supplementation for COVID-19, including potential impacts on reproductive health.
Jan 4
2021
 Joachimiak et al., PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0008895 Zinc against COVID-19? Symptom surveillance and deficiency risk groups
Literature review concluding that zinc should be included as part of preventative supplementation for COVID-19, in general for support of immune health, and should also be considered in the context of zinc deficiency acquired during a vir..
Jan 1
2021
 Alkattan et al., Alexandria Journal of Medicine, doi:10.1080/20905068.2020.1870788 Correlation between Micronutrient plasma concentration and disease severity in COVID-19 patients
Analysis of 80 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia, showing lower zinc levels for severe patients, without statistical significance.
Dec 30
2020
 McCullough et al., Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, doi:10.31083/j.rcm.2020.04.264 Multifaceted highly targeted sequential multidrug treatment of early ambulatory high-risk SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19)
Review urging early treatment of COVID-19 with sequential multidrug treatment that has been shown to be safe and effective. Proposed treatment includes zinc, vitamin D & C, quercetin, and depending on age, comorbidities, and symptoms may ..
Dec 23
2020
 Gonçalves et al., Nutrition in Clinical Practice, doi:10.1002/ncp.10612 Association Between Low Zinc Levels and Severity of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome by New Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
82% lower severe cases (p=0.001). Retrospective 169 ICU patients in Brazil, 214 with low zinc levels, showing an association between low zinc levels and severe ARDS. CAAE 30608,020.9.0000.8114.
Dec 15
2020
 Darban et al., Journal of Cellular & Molecular Anesthesia, doi:10.22037/jcma.v6i2.32182 Efficacy of High Dose Vitamin C, Melatonin and Zinc in Iranian Patients with Acute Respiratory Syndrome due to Coronavirus Infection: A Pilot Randomized Trial
33% lower progression (p=1) and 6% shorter ICU admission (p=0.3). Small RCT in Iran with 20 ICU patients, 10 treated with high-dose vitamin C, melatonin, and zinc, showing no significant differences. This study has several data issues: The study reports a mean age of 59 ± 19 years with a range of 20-65 ..
Dec 10
2020
 Rosenthal et al., JAMA Network Open, doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.29058 Risk Factors Associated With In-Hospital Mortality in a US National Sample of Patients With COVID-19
16% higher mortality (p=0.003). Retrospective database analysis of 64,781 hospitalized patients in the USA, showing lower mortality with vitamin C or vitamin D (authors do not distinguish between the two), and higher mortality with zinc and HCQ, statistically significan..
Nov 30
2020
 Louca et al., BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, doi:10.1136/bmjnph-2021-000250 (date from preprint) Modest effects of dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from 445 850 users of the COVID-19 Symptom Study app
1% fewer cases (p=0.8). Survey analysis of dietary supplements showing no significant difference in PCR+ cases with zinc usage. These results are for PCR+ cases only, they do not reflect potential benefits for reducing the severity of cases. A number of biases c..
Nov 29
2020
 Abd-Elsalam et al., Biological Trace Element Research, doi:10.1007/s12011-020-02512-1 RETRACTED: Do Zinc Supplements Enhance the Clinical Efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine?: a Randomized, Multicenter Trial
1% lower mortality (p=0.99), 34% lower ventilation (p=0.54), 6% improved recovery (p=0.97), and 4% shorter hospitalization (p=0.55). 191 patient RCT in Egypt comparing the addition of zinc to HCQ, showing no significant difference. No information on baseline zinc values was recorded. For several issues with this trial, see [osf.io]. See also [link.springer.com]. The pr..
Nov 18
2020
 Pormohammad et al., International Journal of Molecular Medicine, doi:10.3892/ijmm.2020.4790 Zinc and SARS-CoV-2: A molecular modeling study of Zn interactions with RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase and 3C-like proteinase enzymes
In silico analysis supporting the hypothesis that Zn would bind and regulate the enzymatic activities of 3CLpro and RdRp of SARS-CoV-2 and therefore inhibit viral replication. Since Zn has established immune health benefits, is readily av..
Oct 26
2020
 Frontera et al., Research Square, doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-94509/v1 Treatment with Zinc is Associated with Reduced In-Hospital Mortality Among COVID-19 Patients: A Multi-Center Cohort Study
37% lower mortality (p=0.02). Retrospective 3,473 hospitalized patients showing lower mortality with HCQ+zinc. There is an error in the analysis for zinc alone and HCQ alone - 1,097 zinc alone + 2,299 HCQ alone + 1,006 both = 4,402, which is more than the total number..
Oct 26
2020
 Tomasa-Irriguible et al., Metabolites, doi:10.3390/metabo11090565 (date from preprint) Low Levels of Few Micronutrients May Impact COVID-19 Disease Progression: An Observational Study on the First Wave
49% lower ventilation (p=0.06) and 52% lower ICU admission (p=0.02). Retrospective 120 hospitalized patients in Spain showing zinc deficiency associated with higher ICU admission.
Oct 20
2020
 Heller et al., Redox Biology, doi:10.1016/j.redox.2020.101764 Prediction of Survival Odds in COVID-19 by Zinc, Age and Selenoprotein P as Composite Biomarker
Analysis of 35 COVID-19 patients showing a significant correlation for serum zinc levels between COVID-19 patients and controls, and between COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors.
Oct 11
2020
 Vogel-González et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu13020562 (date from preprint) Low Zinc Levels at Admission Associates with Poor Clinical Outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
77% lower mortality (p=0.0005), 71% lower ICU admission (p<0.0001), and 68% faster recovery (p=0.001). Retrospective 249 PCR+ hospitalized patients in Spain, 58 with zinc levels on admission <50 μg/dL, showing higher mortality and ICU admission, and slower recovery with low zinc levels.
Sep 10
2020
 Jothimani et al., International Journal of Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.014 COVID-19: Poor outcomes in patients with zinc deficiency
90% lower mortality (p=0.06) and 92% lower ICU admission (p=0.02). Prospective study of zinc levels in 47 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 45 healthy controls. COVID-19 patients had significantly lower zinc levels (74.5 vs. 105.8 median μg/dl, p < 0.001). 57.4% of COVID-19 patients were zinc deficient,..
Sep 8
2020
 Galmés et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu12092738 Current State of Evidence: Influence of Nutritional and Nutrigenetic Factors on Immunity in the COVID-19 Pandemic Framework
Ecological study of European countries analyzing 10 vitamins and minerals endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority as having sufficient evidence for a causal relationship between intake and optimal immune system function: vitamins D..
Sep 7
2020
 Yasui et al., International Journal of Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.008 Analysis of the predictive factors for a critical illness of COVID-19 during treatment － relationship between serum zinc level and critical illness of COVID-19
92% lower ventilation (p=0.001). Retrospective 62 hospitalized patients, 29 with serum zinc data, showing significantly lower serum zinc levels for severe COVID-19 cases (intubation) compared with mild and moderate cases, p = 0.005. Authors recommend zinc supplementation.
Aug 7
2020
 Alexander et al., Nutrients, doi:10.3390/nu12082358 Early Nutritional Interventions with Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin D for Raising Anti-Viral Resistance Against Progressive COVID-19
Review exploring the potential of early nutritional intervention with zinc, selenium and vitamin D to prevent progression of COVID-19, based on the importance of these micronutrients for anti-viral resistance and reduced inflammation. Aut..
Jul 31
2020
 Ajili et al., NCT04377646 A Study of Hydroxychloroquine and Zinc in the Prevention of COVID-19 Infection in Military Healthcare Workers (COVID-Milit)
Estimated 660 participant zinc prophylaxis RCT with results not reported over 6 years after estimated completion.
Jul 22
2020
 Yao et al., Chest, doi:10.1016/j.chest.2020.06.082 The Minimal Effect of Zinc on the Survival of Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19
34% lower mortality (p=0.09). Retrospective 242 hospitalized patients in the USA showing adjusted hazard ratio for zinc treatment, aHR 0.66 [0.41-1.07]. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] notes that the study would be more informative if baseline serum zinc levels were known.
Jul 20
2020
 Krishnan et al., Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, doi:10.1016/j.jclinane.2020.110005 Clinical comorbidities, characteristics, and outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients in the State of Michigan with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia
18% lower mortality (p=0.18). Retrospective 152 mechanically ventilated patients in the USA showing unadjusted lower mortality with vitamin C, vitamin D, HCQ, and zinc treatment, statistically significant only for vitamin C.
Jul 3
2020
 Derwand et al., International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, doi:10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106214 (date from preprint) COVID-19 Outpatients – Early Risk-Stratified Treatment with Zinc Plus Low Dose Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin: A Retrospective Case Series Study
79% lower mortality (p=0.12) and 82% lower hospitalization (p=0.001). 79% lower mortality and 82% lower hospitalization with early HCQ+AZ+Z. Retrospective 518 patients (141 treated, 377 control). The study compares outcomes with untreated patients in the same community without detailed baseline data or adju..
Jun 6
2020
 Finzi et al., International Journal of Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.06.006 Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 with high dose oral zinc salts: A report on four patients
Case report on 4 patients treated with high dose zinc. All patients experienced significant improvement after one day.
May 26
2020
 Rahman et al., Biological Trace Element Research, doi:10.1007/s12011-020-02194-9 Can Zn Be a Critical Element in COVID-19 Treatment?
Review of the potential benefits of zinc treatment for COVID-19. Zinc plays important roles in enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity against viral infections. The authors propose that zinc could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by dir..
May 8
2020
 Carlucci et al., Journal of Medical Microbiology, doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.001250 (date from preprint) Zinc sulfate in combination with a zinc ionophore may improve outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
38% lower combined mortality/hospice (p=0.002), 18% lower ventilation (p=0.4), and 23% lower ICU admission (p=0.17). Retrospective 932 patients showing that the addition of zinc to HCQ+AZ reduced mortality / transfer to hospice, ICU admission, and the need for ventilation.
Apr 6
2020
 Derwand et al., Medical Hypotheses, doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109815 (date from preprint) Does zinc supplementation enhance the clinical efficacy of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine to win today's battle against COVID-19?
Hypothesis that HCQ/CQ + zinc will be more effective than HCQ/CQ alone for COVID-19.
Sep 30
2018
 Rolles et al., Journal of Functional Foods, doi:10.1016/j.jff.2018.07.027 Influence of zinc deficiency and supplementation on NK cell cytotoxicity
In vitro study showing improved natural killer (NK) cell function with zinc. [Graydon] showed that a lower frequency of natural killer cells was associated with symptomatic COVID-19 infection.
May 31
2017
 Wang et al., The Clinical Respiratory Journal, doi:10.1111/crj.12646 Efficacy of zinc given as an adjunct to the treatment of severe pneumonia: A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trials
Meta analysis of 6 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with 2,216 severe pneumonia patients showing that zinc given as an adjunct therapy significantly reduced mortality caused by severe pneumonia.
Apr 3
2017
 Hemilä et al., Open Forum Infectious Diseases, doi:10.1093/ofid/ofx059 Zinc Acetate Lozenges May Improve the Recovery Rate of Common Cold Patients: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
Meta-analysis of 3 RCTs with 199 common cold patients showing a 3-fold faster recovery rate with high-dose (80-92mg/day) zinc acetate lozenge treatment compared to placebo.
Nov 4
2010
 te Velthuis et al., PLOS Pathogens 2010, 6:11, doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1001176 Zn2+ Inhibits Coronavirus and Arterivirus RNA Polymerase Activity In Vitro and Zinc Ionophores Block the Replication of These Viruses in Cell Culture
Shows that the combination of Zn2+ and a zinc ionophore (pyrithione) at low concentrations inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV and equine arteritis virus (EAV) in cell culture. Recommends further study of the use of zinc ionophores as an..
Oct 1
2009
 EFSA, EFSA Journal, doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1229 Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to zinc and function of the immune system (ID 291, 1757), DNA synthesis and cell division (ID 292, 1759), protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage (ID 294, 1758), maintenance of bone (ID 295, 1756), cognitive function (ID 296), fertility and reproduction (ID 297, 300), reproductive development (ID 298), muscle function (ID 299), metabolism of fatty acids (ID 302), maintenance of joints (ID 305), function of the heart and blood vessels (ID 306), prostate function (ID 307), thyroid function (ID 308), acid-base metabolism (ID 360), vitamin A metabolism (ID 361) and maintenance of vision (ID 361) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
European Food Safety Administration review concluding that there is a causal relationship between the intake of zinc and immune system function.
References