Title: The Effects of Zinc on Shortening the Duration of the Covid-19 Symptoms
Authors: Hassan Darwish, PhD, Lorna Schumann, PhD, Jesse Hernandez
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i11.57
Abstract
Background: The emergence and spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) brought about a public health crisis threatening the globe. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), epitomizes society's greatest health problem and cause of death. Until a vaccine is developed, controlling the spread and supportive medications are essential. Zinc (Zn) is one of the supportive treatments that have significant and implicit antiviral characteristics that are appreciated in the treatment of the common cold and enhancing the immune system.
Objectives: To evaluate the connection between daily dosage of zinc tablets/lozenges and the duration of colds in patients.
Methods: Ovid MEDLINE was examined utilizing the free search terminologies “zinc and lozenges” that produced over 60 research articles. Findings from the zinc trials were analyzed using, P-values together with the Fisher method and combining the survey outcomes through the RevMan ©program.
Results: High-dose zinc acetate (greater than 75 mg) tests provide a decline in the duration of colds, and there is “heterogeneity” observed between the tests.
Conclusions: Zinc lozenges can potentially reduce the duration of symptoms of the coronavirus when consumed within a day on the onset.
Keywords: Covid-19, Zinc (Zn), SARS-CoV-2
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