targeting zinc as a therapeutic strategy for COVID‐19.
- zinc is present in proteins of humans and of viruses. 
- Some zinc sites in viral enzymes may serve as drug targets and may liberate zinc ions, thus leading to changes in intracellular concentration of zinc ions, while increased intracellular zinc may induce biological effects in both the host and the virus.
- Drugs such as chloroquine may contribute to increased intracellular zinc.

Emory University

zinc deficiency in humans is now known to be an important malnutrition problem world-wide, including hair loss, diarrhea, eye and skin sores and loss of appetite. It is more prevalent in areas of high cereal and low animal food consumption. Four main intervention strategies for combating zinc deficiency include dietary modification/diversification, supplementation, fortification, and bio-fortification. 

Zinc Deficiency

- Doboszewska, U., Wlaź, P., Nowak, G., & Młyniec, K. (2020). Targeting zinc metalloenzymes in coronavirus disease 2019. British journal of pharmacology, 177(21), 4887–4898. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.15199

Targeting zinc metalloenzymes in coronavirus disease 2019

- Zinc deficiency is known to impact immune function resulting in an increased susceptibility to infections.
- zinc supplementation shortened the duration of viral infections and improved outcomes in children with lower respiratory infections 
- the main dietary sources of zinc are certain seafood (oysters (673%), crab (49%), lobster (31%)), beef (64%), and chicken (22%), with only beans (26%) and pumpkin seeds (20%) providing strict vegetarians with significant amounts (percentages are FDA daily value per serving).
- Many population in the world face zinc deficiency, so zinc supplementation is a good method for reducing zinc deficiency. 
- Zinc support human immune health for decreasing susceptibility, shortening illness duration, and preventing progression to severe cases in the current and future pandemics.

Learn Before

Related