Zinc could prevent and relieve respiratory tract infections, but questions remain: study
CTV
A new study has found that zinc might be able to prevent and relieve symptoms of respiratory tract infections, such as the flu and pneumonia.
However, researchers warn that the optimal dosage, formulation and administration method remain unclear.
"In response to calls for rapid evidence appraisals to inform self-care and clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a rapid systematic review protocol to evaluate zinc for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and other viral (respiratory tract infections)"
The peer-reviewed study -- published on Monday in BMJ Open -- involved researchers from Australia, the United States and McMaster University in Hamilton. The researchers conducted a meta-analysis examining the results of 28 placebo-controlled randomized trials involving 5,446 participants.
Treatment options for those with respiratory infections are limited, but zinc products have been a surge in interest amid the COVID-19 pandemic due to its immune system-strengthening properties.
