Zinc Supplementation and Immune Health: A Review

Human zinc insufficiency has been identified as a major global nutritional issue since it was first identified in an Iranian male in 1961. In regions with high cereal consumption and low animal food intake, it is more common. Zinc absorption is largely dependent on its bioavailability, even if the diet may not necessarily be poor in zinc. The primary known inhibitor of zinc is phytic acid. Zinc deficiency is more likely to occur in infants, children, adolescents, pregnant women, and nursing mothers than in adults due to their higher zinc requirements. Growth failure occurs when there is a zinc shortage during growth periods. The organs most clinically impacted by zinc deficiency include the skeletal, immunological, gastrointestinal, central nervous, reproductive, and epidermal systems. It is commonly acknowledged that zinc is essential for human health. Because zinc is used to treat and prevent respiratory tract infections, it has received increased attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zinc use, however, may have undesirable side effects and could be hazardous when taken in excess, according to certain research. This review provides an overview of recent basic science and clinical research on zinc's potential as a direct antiviral and antiviral immunity booster. Over the past 50 years, a wealth of evidence has been gathered to show zinc's antiviral action against a wide range of viruses and through many pathways. These findings have led to the therapeutic use of zinc for viral infections like the common cold and herpes simplex virus, but there is still much to learn about the antiviral mechanisms and clinical benefits of zinc supplementation as a preventative and therapeutic treatment for viral infections. Additionally, zinc has been associated with antiviral capabilities against a wide range of viruses, particularly RNA viruses including SARS-CoV, respiratory syncytial virus, and rhinovirus. Numerous food items naturally contain zinc. For those who are unable to obtain the necessary daily intake through diet, it can be taken as a supplement. Clinical research has demonstrated the health benefits of using zinc supplements to treat deficiencies and guarantee the proper operation of zinc-dependent physiological processes. The significance of zinc supplementation and its function in immunity have been discussed in this review.