Coronavirus Treatment: Can Zinc Supplements Fight COVID-19?

As of now, the most important measure that can be taken to protect oneself against the deadly novel coronavirus is social distancing alongside practicing self- hygiene such as washing your hands and not touching your face and following other guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But, can supplement such as zinc help protect you from COVID-19?

Get the facts right: No supplement can help cure or prevent COVID-19.

With the recent pandemic situation, it is especially crucial to understand that no supplement, diet or any kind of lifestyle intervention other than social distancing and proper hygiene practices can help protect you against the deadly novel coronaviruses. Also, there is no research or evidence that supports the use of any supplement that can protect against COVID-19.

Zinc supplements have been touted for several years to be effective in reducing the duration of common colds. A comprehensive review of 18 different trials revealed that zinc intake was linked to a reduction in the duration of common cold symptoms but not its severity.

We might have established that zinc supplements could help ward off symptoms caused by rhinoviruses but it doesn’t mean that it can be effective against the coronaviruses. At present, there are no studies that have found a link between the two.

In the current scenario, you have to be very careful in assuming that zinc supplements can be the silver bullet against the deadly virus. Be aware of the potential side effects of taking too much zinc. It can range from simple nausea to as severe as damaging to your sense of smell, depending on the product. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before taking zinc lozenges in your daily routine, mentioned Fox News.

“For adults, the upper limit of zinc in oral supplements is 40mg per day, and for children, it's 4mg per day. Cold-Eeze zinc supplements have about 13mg per serving, so you should be careful not to take more than two or three per day. If you've purchased another brand of zinc supplements, check how much zinc a serving packs. Large amounts of zinc are toxic and may cause copper deficiency, anemia and damage to the nervous system,” mentioned CNet.