Zinc is a mineral that the body needs in small amounts to function properly. Some people take zinc supplements to treat certain illnesses, including cases of influenza. Although zinc is important for a healthy immune system, it is not clear whether taking zinc supplements can treat or prevent the flu.
What is Influenza?
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a viral illness that typically affects the respiratory system. Although viruses cause both the flu and the common cold, flu symptoms tend to be more severe and strike more rapidly than those of the cold. There are three types of flu virus and these viruses mutate frequently, causing new "strains" of the flu to circulate periodically. Consequently, even though the body can develop immunity to a virus, these genetic mutations mean that you cannot remain immune to the influenza virus year after year.
Zinc and Immunity
Zinc is an essential mineral for the body to function properly. Found naturally in some foods, zinc also is something you can add to foods or take it as a dietary supplement. Zinc plays various roles in the body, but one reason that people take it as a supplement is its role in the immune system. Not getting enough zinc can impair the function of cells needed to fight infections, so, in theory, taking zinc supplements can strengthen your immune system.
Zinc and Influenza
An article in the "Journal of Nutrition" in 2000 reviewed multiple studies that examined the effects of zinc on the common cold. Although colds and flu come from different viruses, both illnesses are viral in nature and affect the respiratory system. This means that data on the efficacy of zinc for treating the cold is also applicable to the influenza viruses. This analysis found there is no conclusive evidence that taking zinc supplements can treat viral respiratory infections.
Considerations
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence cited from the reviewed studies, zinc may still be helpful for treating or preventing the flu. Zinc deficiencies clearly impair the immune system. But there are few well-designed studies that examine the effects of zinc on the risk of developing the flu. Unless you take doses of zinc supplements greatly in excess of those recommended, you are unlikely to cause any harm to your body and may derive some benefit from taking zinc.
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