Zinc plays an important role in the immune system and it has long been believed that zinc supplementation may help fight colds and prevent illness by bolstering the immune system. New research from US Department of Agriculture, Tufts University, and Boston University researchers indicates that low blood levels of zinc may significantly increase the risk of pneumonia in elderly people living in assisted living homes.
The study, which appeared in the October issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, was part of a larger randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effects of vitamin E on respiratory infections (those results have yet to be published). It involved 578 seniors from 33 Boston, MA, area nursing homes and included both men and women. Participants had an average age of 84.6 years. The study was one year in duration. All participants in the study were given daily doses of 50% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc. Half of the participants were randomly chosen to also receive vitamin E in addition to the multivitamin and mineral supplement. Blood samples were routinely taken to evaluate serum nutrient levels. The researcher defined normal serum (blood) zinc levels as greater than 70 micrograms per deciliter, and low zinc as less than or equal to 70 micrograms per deciliter. The participants were divided on this basis and their out comes examined. The analysis revealed that those with normal zinc levels "had a lower incidence of pneumonia, fewer (by almost 50%) new antibiotic prescriptions, a shorter duration of pneumonia, and fewer days of antibiotic use" when compared to those with low serum zinc levels. Those with normal zinc serum levels also had a 50% reduction in all-cause mortality as compared with those who had low serum zinc. The researchers concluded that "zinc supplementation to maintain normal serum zinc concentrations in the elderly may help reduce the incidence of pneumonia and associated morbidity."
Learn more about the many potential benefits of zinc supplementation.
1. Meydani, S. N., J. B. Barnett, et al. (2007). "Serum zinc and pneumonia in nursing home elderly." Am J Clin Nutr 86(4): 1167-73.
Back
