Study: Lower zinc levels may increase COVID-19 death risk

A study recently conducted has found that low levels of zinc in the blood can have a poorer outcome for COVID-19 patients and increase their risk of death. In the study, researchers explored whether plasma zinc levels at admission are associated with disease outcomes in COVID patients.

"Lower zinc levels at admission correlate with higher inflammation in the course of infection and poorer outcome," said study author Roberto Güerri-Fernandez, Hospital Del Mar, Spain, reported IANS.

"Plasma zinc levels at admission are associated with mortality in Covid-19 in our study," Güerri-Fernandez added.

The authors did a retrospective analysis of symptomatic admitted patients to a tertiary university hospital in Barcelona over the period from March 15, 2020, to April 30, 2020. Data on existing health conditions, demography, etc was collected, and the severity of COVID-19 was assessed at the time of admission.