Zinc supplement cuts pneumonia

[chrisw]

"BOSTON, Oct. 23 -- For nursing home elderly, a little zinc every day may stave off pneumonia or lessen its severity and duration, nutrition researchers here reported.

In an observational study, they found that those of nearly 600 nursing home residents (ages 84.6 + 7.6) with normal serum zinc concentrations had lower occurrence rates of pneumonia, fewer new prescriptions for antibiotics, a shorter duration of pneumonia, and fewer days of antibiotic use compared with patients who had low zinc levels.
Action Points

Explain to patients that zinc is an essential nutrient found in oysters, red meat, poultry, whole grains, beans, and dairy products, and in dietary supplements.


Point out that this study found an apparent relationship between low plasma zinc levels and pneumonia but cannot determine causality. That would require a controlled, randomized prospective study.


Also point out that this study by itself does not justify the use of zinc supplements to prevent pneumonia in the elderly.
Patients with normal zinc levels also had a 39% lower all-cause mortality rate than patients with low levels, reported Simin N. Meydani, D.V.M., Ph.D., of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts, and colleagues, in the October issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.


"Results from our study indicate that supplementation with <80 mg of zinc daily might reduce mortality in the elderly," they wrote. "

www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/Geriatrics/dh/7084

Just checked my multi-vits - only 15 mg Zinc - darn, any more pills and I won't have room for breakfast

Chris W

[John]

Thanks Chris I know what you mean about Pills. I was on zipo 18 mo.s ago . Now I'm on 5 !!!My best friend owns a pharmacy and he told me that people on average after age 55 are on 5 to 6 meds a day hummm!

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

I don't know enough to state anything one way or the other about Zinc; particularly in the diets of the eldery etc. However; I would have to question if it's directly related to "zinc" per se or a diet that's missing proper nutients etc.