Can zinc really help protect you from COVID-19?

Right around the time COVID-19 started gaining traction in the U.S., an email from pathologist James Robb went viral.

James, who is one of the first molecular virologists in the world to work on coronaviruses, provided advice for preventing its spread. A lot of his advice is stuff you’ve been hearing for weeks now…

Wash your hands frequently (and at least for 20 seconds). Use sanitizer after being out in public. Find alternative ways to open doors (like using your hip).

But there was one piece of advice included in his email that I haven’t heard much about in mainstream coverage of how to stay healthy during this epidemic…

Stock up on zinc lozenges.

James said that zinc lozenges “have been proven to be effective in blocking coronavirus (and most other viruses) from multiplying in your throat and nasopharynx.”

Now, in case you’re wondering, James confirmed that the email was actually something he sent and wasn’t just some online hoax. But there’s probably another question on your mind…

Was he right about zinc? Can it really help reduce your risk of getting coronaviruses? Here’s what the science says…

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What zinc lozenges can (and can’t) do for coronaviruses

There’s no denying that zinc plays an important role in your immune system. Your body needs zinc to create infection-fighting white blood cells known as T-cells (t-lymphocytes). That may be why research shows that children and older adults who are deficient in zinc are more at risk for pneumonia and other infections.

But what about viruses? And most importantly, what about coronaviruses?

There is scientific evidence that zinc can stop the spread of viruses. A 2010 study found that increasing the amount of zinc available in cells can prevent certain viruses from replicating, including coronaviruses.

There’s also evidence that zinc can help with the common cold. In some cases, the common cold is caused by a coronavirus, in other cases a rhinovirus. Research shows that zinc can shorten the length of colds caused by rhinovirus for sure. There’s also evidence that zinc can improve cold symptoms like congestion, nasal drainage, sore throats, and coughs.

The truth is, over the last 50 years or so, zinc has been shown to act against a variety of viruses. Scientists have even proposed turning zinc into an anti-viral drug.

Related: At-home taste test can reveal zinc deficiency

And that’s why James Robb recommended it. When asked about his reason for encouraging his friends and family take zinc lozenges as COVID-19 became a bigger problem in the United States, here’s what he said:

“In my experience as a virologist and pathologist, zinc will inhibit the replication of many viruses, including coronaviruses. I expect COVID-19 [the disease caused by the novel coronavirus] will be inhibited similarly, but I have no direct experimental support for this claim. I must add, however, that using zinc lozenges as directed by the manufacturer is no guarantee against being infected by the virus, even if it inhibits the viral replication in the nasopharynx.”

How to take advantage of zinc’s antiviral abilities

Even though most coverage of COVID-19 hasn’t mentioned zinc, there were a few memes that circulated after James’ email went viral.

These memes made zinc lozenges out to be a silver bullet for COVID-19. As you can tell from James’ comment above, that’s an exaggeration. That said, zinc could still be a way to stack the deck in your favor, so you’re less likely to get seriously sick from COVID-19. If you’re interested in giving zinc a try, here’s what you need to know…

James recommends you keep zinc lozenges on hand and start taking them as soon as you feel any “cold-like” symptoms. He recommends using these lozenges as directed several times per day. He also recommends laying down as you let the lozenge dissolve, so it really hits the back of your throat and nasopharynx (the area where your nasal cavity and soft palate connect).

Here are some important thoughts on zinc dosage…

In the case of colds, research shows taking 75 mg of zinc within the first 24 hours of cold symptoms does reduce cold symptoms. But be warned… taking too much zinc could make your immunity worse rather than better…

Taking more than 150 mg of zinc per day can cause zinc toxicity. And do you know one of the side effects of zinc toxicity? Reduced immune function. So, it’s a fine antiviral line you’re walking with zinc. Zinc can also cause people to lose their sense of smell in some cases, especially when it’s taken intranasally (in the nose), so steer clear of zinc nasal sprays.

Sources:

1. Can Zinc Lozenges Ward Off Coronavirus? What Doctors Say — MedicineNet
2. Did a Noted Pathologist Write This Viral Coronavirus Advice Letter? — Snopes
3. The Role of Zinc in Antiviral Immunity — Advances in Nutrition