The human immune system requires the mineral zinc in order to properly defend the body from infection. Among the many symptoms caused by a deficiency in zinc is a compromised immune system and increased risk of infection. Increasing zinc intake through health supplements may benefit the immune system and decrease the risk of infection, particularly among certain at-risk groups. Like any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking zinc.
Zinc Deficiency
Zinc plays a key role in cell growth and division. Because the cells in the immune system are constantly dividing at a rapid pace, they require high amounts of zinc and are often among the first cell types affected by a zinc deficiency. Specifically, the activities of T cells known as macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells are often impaired in people with a zinc deficiency, reports the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health. This impaired immune function can lead to increased infections, including infections caused by viruses.
Common Cold
One virus that may be affected by zinc levels in the body is the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Zinc supplements are frequently marketed to prevent and treat colds. A large-scale review of research involving zinc supplements and colds found that taking zinc within the first 24 hours after symptoms appear can reduce the severity of cold symptoms and the length of the cold, reports a study published in the February 2011 issue of the "Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews." Additionally, after five months of taking zinc supplements, people often develop fewer colds.
Infections in Children
People at risk of other infections may also benefit from taking zinc supplements, particularly children. One large analysis of zinc research found that children taking a zinc supplement were less likely to develop respiratory infections such as pneumonia, according to a a study published in the June 2007 issue of the medical journal "Pediatrics." Zinc supplements have also been linked to a reduced incidence of malaria in children, reports the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Infections in Elderly
Older adults have an increased risk of zinc deficiency, and consequently an increased risk of infection. Taking a daily zinc supplement may decrease the occurrence of infections among the elderly, according to a study published in 2007 in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." However, additional clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Zinc Supplementation Decreases Incidence of Infections in the Elderly: Effect of Zinc on Generation of Cytokines and Oxidative Stress; A. S. Prasad et al.; 2007
- "Pedriatrics"; Role of Zinc Administration in Prevention of Childhood Diarrhea and Respiratory Illnesses: a Meta-Analysis; R. Aggarwal et al.; June 2007
- "Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews"; Zinc for the Common Cold; M. Singh and R.R. Das; February 2011
- Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health: Zinc
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Zinc; Jane Higdon et al.; February 2008
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