The impact of zinc deficiency on our immunity

As doctors, scientists, and researchers around the world are still studying the new Coronavirus and discovering how the infection works and new ways to treat it, there is an avalanche of information that can sometimes be conflicting. However, doctors around the world have to come to a consensus that building a robust immune system will give you a better chance of fighting the virus should you contract it. Zinc is one of those micronutrients that helps build immunity, and recent studies show that zinc inhibits the coronavirus by blocking a key enzyme. Scientific evidence documented in recent decades shows that zinc consumption plays an important role against viral infections, including human respiratory infections due to its immunonutrient properties.
According to a study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health- “Inadequate Intake of Zinc in India: Past, Present and Future” Inadequate zinc intake has been increasing in India for decades, causing tens of millions of people to become deficient in it again. Zinc deficiency has caused a malnutrition problem worldwide. The study states that the highest rate of inadequate zinc intake was concentrated mainly in the southern and northeastern states of India with rice-dominated diets: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya. Therefore, zinc intake for Indians is of utmost importance.

Coronaviruses are the ancient common cold virus that causes 30-40% of the common colds discovered in the 1964 Common Cold Unit in the UK. Zinc has been studied for more than four decades in therapies for the common cold. The odds of catching a cold with people taking zinc preventively is one-third less. Essentially, the properties of zinc help reduce the severity and duration of the cold. It is an essential mineral that our body cannot produce on its own, therefore, we must ensure that our diet is rich in zinc along with other nutrients.

Zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world, yet it is essential for healthy immune function. Zinc is necessary for the development and communication of immune cells and plays an important role in the inflammatory response. Zinc supplementation may be beneficial against coronavirus infection by providing an additional immunity defense. At this point, keeping your immune system strong and making healthy lifestyle decisions is the need of the hour.

Furthermore, evaluation of the nutritional status of patients with COVID19 prior to administration of general treatment is important as the immune response is weakened due to inadequate nutrition. We all need to build strong immunity in times of the crown and greedy as a safety net or “kavach” around us.

Strengthening your cold and flu immunity is essential now more than ever. A balanced diet and attention to macro and micronutrients is the basis for building a vigorous immune system. Your food must have the correct amount of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Zinc should also be consumed with caution because an overdose of zinc can cause indigestion, headaches, and nausea. Zinc not only has immunity boosting properties, it also ensures that your metabolism is strong. It is important to have the correct amount of zinc in your body.

The article has been written by Shashank R. Joshi, Dean, Indian College of Physicians and Consultant, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai