Zinc deficiency is often responsible for lower immunity levels, which in turn, increase chances of COVID attacks, Times of India reported quoting experts. They added that zinc deficiency symptoms are prominent and easy to gauge, but many fail to recognize them. This would be dangerous if there’s another COVID wave. 

Doctors have noted that loss of appetite, frequent bouts of cold, hair loss, and slow healing of wounds are signs of zinc deficiency. RN Tagore Hospital intensivist Sauren Panja told TOI “Zinc supplements were recommended both to prevent Covid and to those who had the viral attack during the first wave. Zinc is one of the ingredients that helps to build up immunity and could indeed help stave off COVID”. 

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Some studies have shown that zinc enhances cytotoxicity and induces the death of abnormal cells. Chloroquine has been shown to improve intracellular zinc uptake. The relationship between COVID and zinc, including the way that zinc deficiency impacts COVID severity, and whether taking supplements can help improve clinical results, is currently being investigated. 

Panja added, “Zinc levels are difficult to measure accurately. So, the guidelines have stopped stressing on its use since the first wave. But those with prominent zinc deficiency symptoms need to be careful, especially since we are probably approaching the fourth wave”. 

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Meanwhile, according to Peerless Hospital director of clinical research Subhrojyoti Bhowmick, “Data shows that zinc supplements have helped COVID patients recover better. There are certain protective micro-molecular enzymes that use zinc to activate themselves and act as a shield. They prevent the entry of virus into respiratory tract and help mucociliary clearance or the natural defence mechanism of the lungs through which COVID infiltrates our system”. 

There are many clinical trials at the moment which are studying the use of zinc supplementation to prevent and treat COVID. However, the evidence at present is insufficient to recommend for or against using zinc to treat coronavirus infections.