The effect of adjuvant zinc therapy on recovery from pneumonia in hospitalized children: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Zinc against COVID-19? Symptom surveillance and deficiency risk groups

A wide variety of symptoms is associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and these symptoms can overlap with other conditions and diseases. Knowing the distribution of symptoms across diseases and individuals can support clinical actions on timelines shorter than those for drug and vaccine development. Here, we focus on zinc deficiency symptoms, symptom overlap with other conditions, as well as zinc effects on immune health and mechanistic zinc deficiency risk groups. There are well-studied beneficial effects of zinc on the immune system including a decreased susceptibility to and improved clinical outcomes for infectious pathogens including multiple viruses. Zinc is also an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress agent, relevant to some severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms. Unfortunately, zinc deficiency is common worldwide and not exclusive to the developing world. Lifestyle choices and preexisting conditions alone can result in zinc deficiency, and we compile zinc risk groups based on a review of the literature. It is also important to distinguish chronic zinc deficiency from deficiency acquired upon viral infection and immune response and their different supplementation strategies. Zinc is being considered as prophylactic or adjunct therapy for COVID-19, with 12 clinical trials underway, highlighting the relevance of this trace element for global pandemics. Using the example of zinc, we show that there is a critical need for a deeper understanding of essential trace elements in human health, and the resulting deficiency symptoms and their overlap with other conditions. This knowledge will directly support human immune health for decreasing susceptibility, shortening illness duration, and preventing progression to severe cases in the current and future pandemics.

Role of Zinc Supplementation in the Improvement of Acute Respiratory Infections among Iranian Children: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Respiratory infectious disease is considered as one of the most serious problems among children in developing countries. The importance of zinc in the improvement of respiratory disease has been indicated. However, there are some unanswered questions and uncertainty. This systematic review aimed at assessing the therapeutic benefits of zinc supplementation on respiratory infections of Iranian children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Magiran, and IranDoc, were searched for randomized controlled trials published from January 1998 to December 2017 on Zinc supplementation for the treatment or improvement of acute respiratory disease among Iranian children, during March 2018. Studies were screened according to the PICO framework, and irrelevant studies were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 5 studies conducted on 522 children were included in this review. Except for one study, others had indicated the beneficial effect of zinc supplement on improving signs and symptoms of respiratory infectious disease and earlier discharge from the hospital.

CONCLUSION

Although studies on the efficacy of zinc on respiratory infectious disease of children in Iran have not widely considered and more studies should be conducted, all published articles (except for one of them) had indicated the effectiveness of zinc supplementation on respiratory infections among children. Other criteria, such as age, gender, birth weight, diet, and type of respiratory infections, should be considered during zinc therapy. Controlling these confounding variables and measuring the level of blood zinc are necessary to understand how much zinc should be prescribed for respiratory treatment of children.

Micronutrients Deficiency, a Hidden Hunger in Nepal: Prevalence, Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Micronutrient deficiency is a global challenge to health as in Nepal. In Nepal, the targeted beneficiaries are less aware about importance of micronutrients (MNs), which has resulted in low intake of foods rich in MNs. Micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) have huge impact on health of vulnerable population like women and children and have jeopardized the national economy and prosperity of developing countries including Nepal. However, less attention has been paid towards MNDs, which can be prevented. Therefore, this study aims to draw attention of the concerned authorities and researchers to combat against MNDs in Nepal. This study showed that different types of MNDs with higher prevalence exist in Nepal. The major causes of MNDs were poor diet, diseases and infestations, and poor health caring practices. The results of MNDs were unwanted child and maternal mortality, impairments of lives, and reduction in productivity and intellectual capacity. School health and nutrition education and supplementation and fortification of essential MNs proved to be effective while dietary diversification and economic growth and poverty eradication seemed promising. Control and prevention of MNDs can help to achieve Millennium Development Goals as well, so studies in this sector should be emphasized.