Zinc deficiency impairs immune defenses by reducing T‑cell activity and weakening resistance to infection. Low zinc levels increase susceptibility to recurrent infections, especially respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Clinical studies show that zinc supplementation can strengthen immune response and lower mortality when used alongside standard treatment for severe pneumonia. In a placebo‑controlled trial in elderly participants, zinc supplementation decreased the incidence of infections by 66% and improved cell‑mediated immunity. This medication is commonly used for Hypertension.
Shah UH, Abu-Shaheen AK, Malik MA, Alam S, Riaz M, Al-Tannir MA. The efficacy of zinc supplementation in young children with acute lower respiratory infections: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;32(2):193-9. Prasad AS. Zinc: role in immunity, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2009 Nov;12(6):646-52. Wang L, Song Y. Efficacy of zinc given as an adjunct to the treatment of severe pneumonia: A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trials. Clin Respir J. 2018 Mar;12(3):857-864. Marianna K. Baum, Shenghan Lai, Sabrina Sales, J. Bryan Page, Adriana Campa, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial of Zinc Supplementation to Prevent Immunological Failure in HIV-Infected Adults, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 50, Issue 12, 15 June 2010, Pages 1653–1660.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Studies have shown that treatment with medications like Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) can lead to zincuria, which is increased urinary excretion of zinc. This increased excretion may potentially lead to zinc deficiency in some individuals and therefore supplementation should be considered.