A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Effect of Zinc Supplement on Depression and Anxiety in the Elderly

Background: Anxiety and depression in the elderly are considered important mental disorders. Objective: This study was designed to determine the effect of zinc Supplementation on depression and anxiety in the elderly. Methods: This study was a parallel randomized clinical trial. A total of 150 elderly aged 60 years and older were allocated into intervention and control groups by using the quadruple blocking method. The elderly in the intervention group received a daily dose of 30 mg zinc supplementation pill for 70 days and the elderly in the control group did not receive this supplement. Depression and anxiety in the elderly were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively. A significance level of 0.05 was considered for all statistical tests. Results: After the intervention, the mean scores of depression and anxiety in the elderly were significantly decreased in the intervention group, as compared with the control group. Moreover, after the intervention, the serum zinc level in the elderly was significantly increased in the intervention group, as compared with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The use of zinc supplements improved depression and anxiety in the elderly. Therefore, it is recommended to use zinc supplements as a new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety in the elderly. Registration No: This research was registered in the Iranian clinical trial system with code IRCT2017071635110N1.

The effect of vitamin D, magnesium and zinc supplements on interferon signaling pathways and their relationship to control SARS-CoV-2 infection

The concern of today's communities is to find a way to prevent or treat COVID-19 and reduce its symptoms in the patients. However, the genetic mutations and more resistant strains of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerge; the designed vaccines and adjuvant therapies would potentially control the symptoms and severity of COVID-19. The most important complication of this viral infection is acute respiratory distress syndrome, which occurs due to the infiltration of leukocytes into the alveoli and the raised cytokine storm. Interferons, as a cytokine family in the host, play an important role in the immune-related antiviral defense and have been considered in the treatment protocols of COVID-19. In addition, it has been indicated that some nutrients, including vitamin D, magnesium and zinc are essential in the modulation of the immune system and interferon (IFN) signaling pathway. Several recent studies have investigated the treatment effect of vitamin D on COVID-19 and reported the association between optimal levels of this vitamin and reduced disease risk. In the present study, the synergistic action of vitamin D, magnesium and zinc in IFN signaling is discussed as a treatment option for COVID-19 involvement.

The Influence of Supplementation with Zinc in Micro and Nano Forms on the Metabolism of Fatty Acids in Livers of Rats with Breast Cancer

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation (in the form of nano or microparticles) on the profile and metabolism of fatty acids in the liver microsomes of rats with induced breast cancer. The activity of desaturases (Δ5, Δ6, Δ9) and the level of cholesterol and its oxidized derivatives were measured. The aim of this study was also to determine the effect of various forms of zinc supplements on rats that were on 5-, 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (5-, 12- and 15-HETE) and hydroxyoctadecadienoic (HODE) acids, and the level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Female Spraque-Dawley rats (n = 24) were divided into 2 groups that were supplemented with zinc in the micro form (342 nm) or nano form (99 nm) particles, respectively, and a group with a standard diet (control group). All animals received 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene twice for the induction of breast cancer. Dietary nano-Zn supplementation increased vaccenic acid content (p = 0.032) and decreased Δ6-desaturase activity (p = 0.006), whereas micro-Zn increased cholesterol (p = 0.006), ∑COPs (total cholesterol-oxidation products) (p = 0.019) and PGE2 (p = 0.028) content. Dietary enrichment with Zn microparticles resulted in lower concentrations of the metabolites 15-, 12- and 5-HETE and HODE. Our study indicates that the effect of zinc supplementation on the metabolism of fatty acids in the liver microsomes under neoplastic conditions depends on the form in which it is administered.

Zing thing about zinc: A mini review

Zinc is a micromineral present in the body tissues and fluids. Zinc is absorbed from the duodenum and stored in the form of metallothionine in the liver and excreted through sweat. Zinc plays a vital role in protein biosynthesis, gene expression; it also acts as an antioxidant and is used in the growth of the fungus. Due to the deficiency of zinc, a patient will be suffering from poor wound healing, lesions of skin, impaired spermatogenesis, hyperkeratosis, dermatitis and alopecia.An unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic caused by a novel corona virus called SARS-CoV-2, produces severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Zinc is used to treat COVID 19 because it improves the immunity. As the COVID patients are susceptible to zinc deficiency, they are prescribed with zinc supplements. Intake of zinc more than1000mg/day causes Zinc toxicity. Fungus utilises zinc for its growth. Mucormycosis caused by fungus Rhizopus species seen in most of the post COVID patients. Since, Zinc has assumed importance in this COVID 19 pandemic, this review article unfathoms the explicit roles of Zinc in humans.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTIUTDE AND PRACTICES OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS ON USING ZINC TO TREAT CHILDHOOD DIARRHOEA

To assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to zinc use by healthcare professionals (HCPs) for diarrhoea in children. (2) To check the availability/non availability of zinc formulations in community pharmacies. Childhood diarrhoea is one of the leading cause of morbidity and deaths globally. Excessive nutrients loss occurs as an aftermath of the diarrhoea. Zinc supplementation to children aid in replenishing lost micronutrients and improves overall health during episodes of diarrhoea. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was developed and distributed among 100 practitioners that included general physicians and paediatricians and 50 community pharmacists in different localities of Delhi. A presentation containing therapeutic role of zinc in childhood diarrhoea was administered to non-prescribers of zinc. Majority of prescribers reported already using zinc as an adjunct to ORS yet believed ORS alone can meet the demand of lost nutrition from the body. Non-prescribers disagreed that ORS alone meets the demand of lost nutrition yet believed zinc is safe for managing childhood diarrhoea. Their practice rely on prescribing anti-diarrhoeals and antibiotics to treat diarrhoea in infants. Community pharmacists believed that zinc is safe and beneficial for children under 5 years of age however, the rate of dispensing zinc formulations from pharmacies is low. The study displayed a gap of knowledge among HCPs and recommends conduction of educational programs to ensure adequate consumption of zinc supplements among children.

The Effect of Azithromycin Plus Zinc Sulfate on ACE2 Expression through IκBα of Human Respiratory Cells in SARS-CoV-2: In Vitro Study

Large-scale efforts have been persistently undertaken for medical prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 disasters worldwide. A variety of novel viral spike protein-targeted vaccines have been extensively distributed for global inoculation based on accelerated approval. With concerns of emerging spike protein mutations, we revisited the early but inconclusive clinical interest in the repurposed combination of azithromycin (AZT) and zinc supplements with safety advantages. The aim of this study is to provide in vitro proof of concept for IκBα associated rapid and synergistic suppression of angiotensin-converting enzymes 2 (ACE2) following combination treatments with AZT plus zinc sulfate in two human airway cells with ACE2 expression, Calu-3 and H322M, representative cells of the human upper and lower airway origin respectively. Clinical timing of AZT combined with zinc is indicated based on suppression of the key cellular entry molecule, ACE2, of SARS-CoV-2.

Lead in Mineral or Multivitamin-Multimineral Products

Objective Assess the current daily interim reference level of lead and the amount contained in current mineral and multivitamin-multimineral (MVM) products. Data Sources PubMed search from 1980 to May 15, 2021, limited to the English language, via the search strategy ((mineral OR multivitamin OR calcium OR iron OR magnesium OR copper OR zinc OR chromium OR selenium) AND (heavy metals OR Pb OR lead)). Study Selection and Data Extraction Narrative review of studies assessing lead content in mineral or MVM products. Data Synthesis Products containing different calcium forms (dolomite, bone meal, natural carbonate) have historically had higher lead levels than others (refined carbonate, lactate, gluconate, acetate, sevelamer), but the gap has closed considerably since the year 2000. Although only limited assessments of magnesium and zinc supplements have been conducted, no alarming average lead amounts were found. MVM products assessed since 2007 had low median or mean lead concentrations. However, large interproduct differences exist, with many products having very little lead and some products having concerning amounts. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice It is difficult for pharmacists and consumers to know the amount of lead in an actual product unless it is tested in an independent third-party lab. The United States Pharmacopeia and NSF International will provide a seal on the products stating that the products have a low level of lead, but even so, children could receive more lead than the Food and Drug Administration’s Interim Reference Level. Conclusions The threat from lead exposure in mineral and MVM products have diminsihed considerably over time but some products can still have excessive amounts. Without third-party testing, it is difficult for clinicians and consumers to know which outlier products to avoid.

Herbal supplement (Combi-5) in the management of COVID 19 individual with mild to moderate symptoms: a case report

Objective To explore repurposing known natural products for managing patients with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. Case presentation We present a case report of a middle aged woman, who was positive to COVID 19, with mild to moderate symptoms; who self –managed at home using well formulated herbal supplement (Combi-5) taken along with vitamin C and Zinc supplements. She recovered within a short time. Conclusions While we may not conclude from this report that Combi-5 was solely responsible for the recovery of the patient, we strongly believe that it played significant role through different mechanisms in facilitating early recovery from the infection. Further studies are needed to evaluate the phytochemical and pharmacological constituents of the supplement; investigate its direct effect(s) on SARS CoV-2 and conduct randomized controlled trial to elucidate its clinical benefits.

Zinc Supplements in COVID-19 Pathogenesis-Current Perspectives

Zinc is an indispensable trace element required for several critical functions of the human body. Deficiencies of micronutrients can impair immune function and increase susceptibility to infectious disease. It is noteworthy that higher susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection is seen in individuals with micronutrient deficiencies and poorer overall nutrition. Research in the last two decades suggests that one-third of the global population may be deficient in zinc, which affects the health and well-being of individuals of all ages and gender. Zinc deficiency is now considered one of the factors associated with susceptibility to infection and the detrimental progression of COVID-19. The trace element is essential for immunocompetence and antiviral activity, rendering zinc supplements highly popular and widely consumed. Zinc supplements are required in small doses daily, and their absorption is affected by food rich in fiber and phytase. The organic forms of zinc such as picolinate, citrate, acetate, gluconate, and the monomethionine complexes are better absorbed and have biological effects at lower doses than inorganic salts. Considering the present global scenario, choosing the right zinc supplement is essential for maintaining good health. In the present review, we reexamine the role of zinc in immunity and antiviral activity and a comparative account of different forms of zinc supplements.