Zinc in the quantity of 50 mg of elemental zinc (from 220 mg capsules with zinc sulfate) per day for 5 days 5 times reduced mortality from COVID-19 vs. the control group, according to the clinical study disclosed in Roland Derwand et al., “COVID-19 outpatients – early risk-stratified treatment with zinc plus low dose hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin: A retrospective case series study,” International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, December 2020, 56(6), 106214, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106214, JIF 15.441 (top 3% journals in Pharmacology & Pharmacy).
Zinc 20 mg, vitamin D3 2000 IU, and selenium 100 μg taken by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis outpatients, completely eliminated risk of mechanical ventilation from COVID-19 to 0.0% vs. 10.5% in the control group, completely eliminated risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 to 0.0% vs. 27.9% in the control group, completely eliminated risk of severe case from COVID-19 to 0.0% vs. 59.3% in the control group, according to the clinical study disclosed in Zelija Velija Asimi et al., “Selenium, zinc, and vitamin D supplementation affect the clinical course of COVID-19 infection in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis,” Endocrine Abstracts, European Congress of Endocrinology 2021, 22 May 2021 – 26 May 2021, 73, https://doi.org/10.1530/endoabs.73.PEP14.2, JIF N/A.
This study data clearly show that a significant number of COVID-19 patients were zinc deficient. These zinc deficient patients developed more complications, and the deficiency was associated with a prolonged hospital stay and increased mortality, according to Dinesh Jothimani et al., “COVID-19: Poor outcomes in patients with zinc deficiency,” International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 100 (2020) 343-349, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.014, JIF 12.073 (top 14% journals in Infectious Diseases).
The importance of zinc (Zn) for cardiovascular health continuously gains recognition. As shown earlier, compromised Zn homeostasis and prolonged inflammation are common features in various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Similarly, Zn biochemistry alters several vascular processes, and Zn status is an important feature of cardiovascular health. Zn deficiency contributes to the development of CVDs; thus, Zn manipulations, including Zn supplementation, are beneficial for preventing and treating numerous cardiovascular (CV) disorders. Compromised Zinc homeostasis and prolonged inflammation are common features in various cardiovascular diseases, according to Marija Knez et al., “Zinc as a Biomarker of Cardiovascular Health,” Frontiers in Nutrition, July 2021, Volume 8, Article 686078, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.686078, JIF 6.590 (top 18% journals in Nutrition & Dietetics).
Zinc has protective effects in coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy according to Peter J. Little et al., “Zinc and cardiovascular disease,” Nutrition, November-December 2010, 26(11-12), 1050-1057, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2010.03.007, JIF 4.893 (top 37% journals in Nutrition & Dietetics).
Zinc, an essential micronutrient, affects the heart by modulating cardiomyocyte oxidative stress and maintaining myocardial structure, among other mechanisms. In cross-sectional studies, patients with heart failure have often had zinc deficiencies, suggesting effects on the ongoing pathogenesis of heart failure. Low plasma and myocardial zinc levels may cause reversible cardiomyopathy in patients who have nutritional deficiencies. We present the case of a 24-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa and new-onset heart failure whose depressed left ventricular systolic function improved after zinc supplementation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of low plasma zinc levels as the chief cause of cardiomyopathy that resolved after zinc supplementation, according to Hannah Rosenblum et al., “Zinc Deficiency as a Reversible Cause of Heart Failure,” Texas Heart Institute Journal, April 2020, Vol. 47, No. 2, https://doi.org/10.14503/THIJ-17-6586, JIF 1.103 (top 97% journals in Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems).